Aye, ye scurvy scallywags! Be on the lookout fer crimson signals o' this treacherous Facebook Marketplace knavery!
2023-07-22
Avast ye, mateys! Beware the treacherous scams in this Facebook Marketplace! To spy them, ye must inspect a scallywag's profile, especially if they be beggin' for payment in the form of a cursed gift card. Yarr, there be more tricks aplenty, so stay sharp!
A reader from North Carolina, Mike D., recently shared his experiences with Facebook Marketplace scams and wants to warn others about them. He recounts how he came across a greatly underpriced pontoon boat while searching for a boat a few years ago. The seller claimed that her husband had passed away and she was moving to another state. She instructed Mike to make a payment through eBay, which raised red flags. Upon further investigation, Mike discovered the same boat and story listed in multiple locations, suggesting a scam.Gift card payments are a common tactic used by scammers on Facebook Marketplace, as they are untraceable. Mike advises against paying with gift cards, as it is difficult to recover the money if scammed. He also cautions buyers to be wary of multiple posts of the same item, as scammers often try to sell the same item in different locations.
The article provides additional red flags to watch out for on Facebook Marketplace, such as checking the seller's profile for inconsistencies and asking for personal information or payment through gift cards. It also offers safety tips for buyers and sellers, including meeting in public places and avoiding sharing personal information.
Facebook has a help center dedicated to recognizing and reporting scams on Marketplace. The article concludes by reminding readers to trust their instincts and exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar individuals online.
While Facebook Marketplace is a convenient platform for buying and selling items, it is important to remain vigilant and not easily trust strangers. By being aware of common scam tactics and following safety precautions, users can reduce the risk of falling victim to scams.