14 Facebook Marketplace Scams to Watch Out For (2023)

Attention shoppers: Scammers have set up shop on Facebook. Here's how to avoid falling victim to some common Facebook Marketplace scams.

More than a billion users buy and sell products on Facebook Marketplace every month, but they're not the only ones getting paid. Facebook Marketplace scams are on the rise: 9 out of 10 victims of online shopping scams say they were scammed via Facebook or Instagram in 2021, according to the latest Federal Trade Commission report.

"Unlike eBay or Amazon, buyers on Facebook Marketplace have a much more direct interaction and conversation with sellers," says Paul Bischoff, chief privacy officer at Comparitech, a cybersecurity firm. “This creates opportunities for scammers to trick victims into a series of scams.Fraudwith less supervision.

These scams may look convincing, but they share certain warning signs that make them easier to spot. Here, experts discuss the most common Facebook Marketplace scams and how to avoid them so you can protect your money from criminals while you shop. After reading about importantFacebook Marketplace Security Tips, I likehow to block someone on messengerrjHow to Recover a Hacked Facebook Account, meet theseOffer,Ebayjamazon scam.

Common Facebook Marketplace Scams

Pay or communicate outside of Facebook

How this scam works:Once you've expressed interest in an item for sale, the seller may ask you to contact another platform or pay through another platform. "Scammers often want to get your money in an irretrievable way," says Bischoff, such as through a wire transfer or Venmo payment. "In addition to external payment methods, they can convince victims to call or chat outside of Facebook, where their correspondence cannot be monitored."

How to recognize it:Beware of buyers and sellers who insist on communicating or receiving payments outside of official Facebook channels. Facebook's buyer protection policy only covers payments made through Facebook Checkout, so there's no guarantee you'll get your money back if you pay with another method. If you want to pay with another app, be careful with thosevenmo punchjCashApp Scam.

mail item

How this scam works:In this scam, scammers ask you to pay first and then never ship the item. By agreeing to prepay for an item, "buyers run the risk of not receiving the items they paid for, either because they weren't delivered or something was delivered other than what they paid for," says Chris Hauk, Pixel Privacy Consumers Privacy Expert . The scammer may provide false shipping information or screenshots to make it look like the item has been shipped, but in fact they've already taken your money.

How to recognize it:While it's best to only buy items that you can inspect and collect in person, sometimes getting products in the mail is unavoidable. In these cases, sellers who cannot provide you with photos and videos of the item before you buy it, or who may ask you to pay for the item outside official Facebook channels, may not be good and you're better off taking your money elsewhere. place. Facebook Marketplace Scams Are More Stealth Than You Think: ThisThe true story of someone who got scammed on facebookit's just an example.

selling counterfeit items

14 Facebook Marketplace Scams to Watch Out For (1)rd.com

How this scam works:Don't be fooled by bargains on a designer handbag or a rare game console. The Facebook Marketplace is full of counterfeit or pirated items with price tags that are suspiciously below market price. "If a seller is asking for an item that is well below the normal retail price, they probably have something up their sleeves," says Hauk.

How to recognize it:Hauk recommends researching an item's typical price ahead of time and comparing it to the list price on Facebook Marketplace. "Always keep the old adage in mind: if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is," he says. You should also request multiple photos and even a video of the item before purchasing and take one.reverse image searchto see if an image is fake.

Overpay the seller

How this scam works:Believe it or not, scammers can also scam sellers. In one common scam, a buyer uses a stolen credit card to pay the seller more than the asking price for the item, then claims they made a mistake and requests a partial refund. The victim will refund the excess amount, but the original payment is rejected and never reaches the seller's account, leaving the victim to pay the bill while the criminal keeps the money.

How to recognize it:If you receive an overpayment, decline the charge and ask the buyer to send you the correct amount. Anyone who responds suspiciously to this request may be a scammer. In the future, make sure you know how to identify these others.common online scamsin addition to that, moreover.

request advances

How this scam works:A scammer might tell you an item is popular and ask you to make a deposit or prepayment to secure your spot. Most likely you will never receive the item and the scammer will disappear with your money. Known as a "reservation" or "prepayment" scheme, "this is one of the easiest ways to get scammed," says Matthew Paxton, founder of gaming and tech site Hypernia.

How to recognize it:You should never agree to pay for an item before you receive it, says Paxton. If the seller uses high-pressure tactics and a sense of urgency to get paid upfront, it's probably a sign that they're dealing with a scammer. FYI, scammers also use high-pressure romance scam tactics on dating sites and social media, so look out for these red flags.

create fake accounts

How this scam works:Before buying anything on Facebook Marketplace, take a close look at the seller's profile. Some scammers create fake Facebook accounts to trick people into buying fake or non-existent items and then disappearing with the money.

How to recognize it:One of the most important things to look for is the date the Facebook account was created. According to Burton Kelso, a technology specialist at Integral, a local IT service, new accounts should be a red flag. “Today most people have a Facebook that was created at least 10 years ago,” he says. "If you see a Facebook account created in the last few months, you should be careful as a buyer."Signs an Amazon Seller Is UntrustworthyWorldwide.

Fake Rental Advertisement

14 Facebook Marketplace Scams to Watch Out For (2)RD. how

How this scam works:Attention apartment seekers: not all apartment and house rental offers on Facebook Marketplace are reputable. "We found that this is a niche full of scammers," says Sebastian Illing, co-founder of Alpaca Technology, which filters thousands of ads on Facebook. “We've encountered several apartment rental scams, such as: B. Listings that use false or misleading images, bait and switch rental fees, charge illegal background check fees, and even post rentals owned by others.

How to recognize it:There are many tricks that scammers use to sell fake rentals to victims, such as: B. Demanding immediate payment, not showing the apartment, or using fake or misleading photos. As a general rule, you should always inspect the property in person and confirm availability before applying or transferring any money. Anyone who claims they can't show you the property because they're out of town, or who asks you to put down a deposit right away, should sound the alarm, says Illing.

Sell ​​items that don't work

How this scam works:According to Kelso, one of the most popular scams on Facebook Marketplace is selling an item that doesn't work. "This can happen especially when buying computers or other technical devices," he says. The seller knows the item is broken, but expects you not to inspect it before handing over the money.

How to recognize it:When shopping for items like electronics, Kelso recommends turning on and testing the equipment to make sure it's working properly before paying. And "don't let yourself be pressured into a deal," says Hauk. "If the seller or buyer is urging you to make a quick decision, get out of the business. If it smells like fish, it probably is." watch out for theseSneaky "deals" that are actually money scamsin addition to that, moreover.

fake advertising gifts

How this scam works:Crooks post links to fake cryptocurrency gifts on their profiles, hoping unsuspecting users will click on them, says Patrick Moore, co-founder of cryptocurrency site CryptoWhat. "Scammers can use [Facebook] as a venue for their own advertising because anyone can post without verification," he explains. Clicking the link allows victims to download malware onto their computers, giving hackers access to sensitive information such as email addresses and bank account passwords.

How to recognize it:Like many other Facebook Marketplace scams, giveaways that seem too good to be true probably are too. To prevent your information from falling into the wrong hands, ignore links that look suspicious, report fake accounts to Facebook, and keep an eye out for them.red flagsthat your computer was hacked.

ask for a car deposit

How this scam works:Demand for vehicles on Facebook Marketplace is growing, but buyers should think twice before making a deposit. According to Piyush Yadav, owner of price comparison site Ask Any Difference, scammers often ask buyers to pay a small fee to store a car, then provide a false address when meeting.

How to recognize it:Rather than relying on an online seller's promises, do your research ahead of time by checking Kelley Blue Book or other reputable sites to find out how much you're likely to have to pay. The Facebook Help Center also recommends requesting a vehicle history report from the Federal Trade Commission and scheduling an automotive inspection prior to making a purchase.

inconsistent prices

How this scam works:If a seller changes the price of an item after you send them a message, walk away, says Paxton. It could be a sign that you are dealing with a bait-and-switch scam. In this scenario, a scammer lures customers in with a low price, but then tries to sell them a different, more expensive item.

How to recognize it:"As soon as they show signs of inconsistency, back off," advises Paxton. "Not worth the drama." Facebook Marketplace policies also suggest rejecting requests from sellers to "make additional shipping payments or other fees not listed above after the transaction is complete." Incoherence is also aSigns you may be buying from a fake website.

Fraudes do Google Voice

How does this scam work?s:A scammer contacts a seller on Facebook Marketplace, expresses interest in their product, and asks the seller to provide a phone number to prove they are a real person. Using this phone number, the scammer opens a Google Voice account, sends the Google verification code to the seller and asks for the code to verify that it is legitimate. After the seller provided the code, the scammer now has a new Google Voice number that he can use for other nefarious purposes, such asphone call fraudjataques doxing.

Buyers can also become victimsGoogle Voice Scam🇧🇷 "Lately, we've heard that scammers are posing as sellers on Facebook Marketplace and asking potential buyers to confirm their legitimacy by providing them with a Google Voice verification code," said Mona Terry, Director of Victims for Facebook Marketplace Fraud Identity Theft Resource Center. 🇧🇷

How to recognize it:If someone contacts you on Facebook Marketplace and asks for personal information like your phone number, you should be suspicious, says Daniel Clemens, founder and CEO of Shadow Dragon, a developer of cybersecurity solutions. A request to send a Google Voice verification code should be an even bigger red flag to stop contacting someone.

insurance fraud

How this scam works:For mail-shipped items, scammers require buyers to pay for shipping insurance in addition to the item and shipping costs. Sometimes the scammer will even send a fake invoice as proof, says Terry. But as soon as the money is paid, the scammer disappears.

How to recognize it:Legitimate sellers on Facebook Marketplace will not ask for any additional payment beyond the cost of the item and any shipping costs. If someone asks you to send money for unexpected charges, cancel the transaction immediately.

Coup cell do Facebook Marketplace

How this scam works:Just like car deposit and prepayment scams,HandybetrugUse the popular digital payment service to steal your money. Scammers target sellers paying by mobile and sending more money than the item price, or for aidentity fraudEmail that appears to be from your cell phone. On the other hand, a fake seller might ask a buyer to pay for an item with a cell phone and then walk away with the money without shipping the item.

How to recognize it:Please think twice before agreeing to any payments or accepting payments from users on Facebook Marketplace via mobile. “Fraudsters know that Zelle offers instant transfers and that fees authorized by a user are not protected if a transaction fails,” said Chris Furtick, director of security engineering at Fortalice Solutions, a provider of cybersecurity services. Stick to more secure payment systems likePaypalor Facebook Checkout instead.

How to avoid hits on Facebook Marketplace

  • to look for.With each transaction, take the time to verify with whom you are speaking. Hauk recommends checking the seller's profile for negative reviews and avoiding newly created accounts with no reviews.
  • Pay for items via Facebook.Using official payment and shipping methods protects your money if something goes wrong.
  • Get a tracking number.If you receive an item in the mail, Hauk recommends requesting a tracking number. Of course, make sure you also use Facebook Checkout to protect your purchase.
  • If possible, meet the seller in person.Use Facebook Marketplace filters to narrow your search to items available for local pickup and meet the seller in person so you can inspect the item before you pay.
  • Do not pay for an item before receiving it.Instead, exchange both the money and the item at the same time. For safety reasons, make sure it is in a well-lit, visible and public place.
  • Don't go to a meeting alone.If you're meeting in person with a seller, Facebook recommends bringing another person with you or sharing your meeting schedule with a friend or family member as an extra precaution.
  • reject overpayments.Also request that all payments be made through channels approved by Facebook. (Again, Facebook Checkout is your best bet here.)
  • Do not share confidential information.In most cases, you should never give out your bank account, credit card, social security number, date of birth, or phone number. "If anyone asks about these things, be on the lookout," says Clemens.

What is Facebook doing to prevent fraud?

To prevent Facebook Marketplace scams, Facebook has created several protections for buyers and sellers. For starters, buyers can leave reviews for sellers using a five-star system based on their experience during the transaction. The seller's trading profile shows the rating of other buyers, as well as badges such as "Super Seller", "Very Responsive" and more.

Some Marketplace purchases are also covered by Facebook's Buyer Protection Policy. If a buyer did not receive their order or the order was damaged, they may be eligible for a refund. Keep in mind, however, that "the buyer protection plan is very specific about what's covered and how the item must be paid for," says Furtick. To qualify for the Buyer Protection Policy, you must use Facebook Checkout for your transaction.

Finally, Facebook offers an online guide to buying and selling safely and responsibly on the Facebook Marketplace. Covers many of the best practices that buyers and sellers should considerprotecthimself online, including face-to-face meetings, checking for counterfeit products and using secure payment methods. Be sure to check out these others.hit do facebookstay out of something.

What to do if you think you've been scammed

14 Facebook Marketplace Scams to Watch Out For (3)rd.com

Facebook Marketplace is constantly checking for scams and removing listings that violate their policies, but they don't catch everything. If you think you've been scammed, experts say you should immediately report the incident to Facebook and block the scammer.

To report a seller on Facebook Marketplace, click the Marketplace icon in the left corner of your computer screen, click the listing for the seller you want to report, and click the seller's name. From there, click on the three dots icon and select Report Seller; Then follow the onscreen instructions.

If you've lost money, you can also notify the Federal Trade Commission and the Internet Crime Complaint Center. And if your Facebook account got hacked, here it ishow to recover your accountand reinforce yoursecurity passwordbe sure not future.

Sources:

nortonrsx/Getty ImagesComo identificar golpes de phishing de ID Apple
rd.com, Getty Images (2) Top threats to smartphone security
rd.com, Getty ImagesWas ist Vishing?

FAQs

What are the current Facebook Marketplace scams? ›

The top Facebook Marketplace scams and how to avoid them
  • Defective or counterfeit gadgets and electronic items. Source: Pixabay. ...
  • Bait and switch. ...
  • Fake payment receipts. ...
  • Mouth-watering giveaways. ...
  • Overpayment by a buyer. ...
  • Moving conversations out of Facebook. ...
  • Fake rental posting. ...
  • Advance payment requests.
Dec 29, 2022

What are the latest scams to look out for? ›

The latest types of scams can happen via phone calls, text messages, emails, social media, or even in person.
...
The 12 Latest Scams You Need To Know
  • Amazon imposter scams.
  • Crypto recovery services.
  • Tech support scams.
  • Rental apartment and home scams.
  • Fraudsters posing as your friends.
Jan 5, 2023

What are the 4 most common scams? ›

Common Scams
  • Emergency Scams. ...
  • IRS or Government Imposter Scams. ...
  • Foreign Money Exchange Scams. ...
  • Counterfeit Cashier's Checks. ...
  • Bogus Debts. ...
  • Home Repair Scams. ...
  • Business Opportunities or Employment Scams. ...
  • Shopping Sprees. You get a phone call, offering you a "$500 shopping spree" (or other amount).

What are some of the biggest scams right now? ›

Common Scams and Frauds
  • COVID-19 scams, rumors, and price gouging.
  • Banking Scams.
  • Telephone Scams.
  • Census-Related Fraud.
  • Government Grant Scams.
  • Investment Scams.
  • Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams.
  • Charity Scams.
Dec 16, 2022

What are the 3 most common types of scams? ›

Ten most common types of scams
  1. Advance fee fraud. ...
  2. Lottery, sweepstakes and competition scams. ...
  3. Dating and romance scams. ...
  4. Computer hacking. ...
  5. Online shopping, classified and auction scams. ...
  6. Banking, credit card and online account scams. ...
  7. Small business scams. ...
  8. Job and employment scams.
Jun 11, 2015

What are the top scams of 2022? ›

BBB's Top 5 Scams of 2022:
  • Online purchase scams: 487 fell victim to these scams involving pet adoption, online shopping and social media advertising.
  • Employment scams: 173 instances were reported of scammers advertising false jobs.
Jan 7, 2023

What are the five types of scams? ›

Types of scam
  • Cyber crime scams. E-crime is criminal activity carried out using computers or the internet. ...
  • Telephone scams. ...
  • Email scams. ...
  • Online shopping and finance scams. ...
  • Protecting your personal information online. ...
  • Postal scams. ...
  • Online dating or relationship scams. ...
  • Doorstep criminal scams.

What are the five common scams associated with consumers? ›

  • Advance Fee Fraud. Advance fee fraud, also called upfront fee fraud, is any scam that, in exchange for a fee, ...
  • Cashier's Check Fraud. ...
  • Fictitious/Unauthorized Banking. ...
  • High Yield Investment Fraud (Prime Bank Fraud) ...
  • Identity Theft. ...
  • Phishing.

What are the main types of scams? ›

Types of scam
  • Phishing.
  • Vishing.
  • Investment scams.
  • Pension scams.
  • Advance-fee fraud.
  • Authorised push payment fraud.
  • Safe account scams.
  • Loan fee fraud.

How do you tell if you're talking to a scammer? ›

Common online scam signs
  1. Tries to gain trust. An online scam will often try to gain your trust in some way. ...
  2. Emotional.
  3. Asks for action. Online scammers frequently ask you to call a number, click a link, or log in to an account. ...
  4. Unexpected contact. ...
  5. Asks for personal info. ...
  6. Overpays you. ...
  7. Promises something. ...
  8. Wire transfer request.
Oct 16, 2021

What is a red flag of many common scams? ›

Missing documents that are fraud red flags include registration of motor vehicles, lists of sales and purchases, checkbooks, and inventory reports. When such records disappear, it may point to an undesirable situation that may lead to the loss of certain assets or money.

What is one tactic a scammer will use to get you to provide your personal information? ›

2. Phishing. So-called “phishing” emails, calls, texts and letters try to trick you into sending cash or disclosing personal information. Or, the correspondence aims to allow a bad actor to infiltrate your computer device and steal sensitive information.

Why do people ask for your phone number on Marketplace? ›

How this scam works: A scammer contacts a seller on Facebook Marketplace, expresses interest in their product and asks the seller to provide a phone number to prove that they are a real person.

What happens if you text a scammer back? ›

Directly replying to a spam text message lets a spammer know that your number is genuine. What happens next They can sell your phone number to other spammers who might bombard you with false promises of free gifts and product offers. Instead, it's best to block and report the number.

What are some typical scammer behaviors? ›

Look for typical scammer behavior.

Repeatedly asking for odd personal information (e.g., your location) Disconcertingly dramatic, erratic, or otherwise strange behavior (in all likelihood, you'll want to avoid dating people like this anyway) Early or inappropriate professions of love.

What are the most common signs of a phishing scams? ›

10 Most Common Signs of a Phishing Email
  1. An Unfamiliar Tone or Greeting. ...
  2. Grammar and Spelling Errors. ...
  3. Inconsistencies in Email Addresses, Links & Domain Names. ...
  4. Threats or a Sense of Urgency. ...
  5. Suspicious Attachments. ...
  6. Unusual Request. ...
  7. Short and Sweet. ...
  8. Recipient Did Not Initiate the Conversation.

What are 3 things to look for in phishing scams? ›

Emails that contain the following should be approached with extreme caution, as these are common traits of phishing email:
  • Urgent action demands.
  • Poor grammar and spelling errors.
  • An unfamiliar greeting or salutation.
  • Requests for login credentials, payment information or sensitive data.
  • Offers that are too good to be true.

Who are the most common victims of scams? ›

Most Common Scams by Age

Americans ages 18-24 fell victim to fake check and money order scams, most whereas Americans 65 and older were most commonly victims of tech support scams.

What is new scams? ›

Impersonators: Scammers impersonate IRS personnel, police, survey takers, relatives, delivery people and well-known companies to threaten you or gain your trust. They use scare tactics related to your Social Security number, criminal record or account before asking for your personal, account or credit card information.

What are likely scams? ›

“Spam Risk” or “Scam Likely” calls occur when a machine learning engine used by the phone carrier detects a suspicious call origin, duration or frequency record from a phone number. The increasingly common spam warning message that pops up on your phone when it rings is part of the ongoing battle against such calls.

What scams look like? ›

Recognising a scam

It might be a scam if: it seems too good to be true – for example, a holiday that's much cheaper than you'd expect. someone you don't know contacts you unexpectedly. you suspect you're not dealing with a real company – for example, if there's no postal address.

How to tell if someone is scamming you on Facebook Marketplace? ›

What are Some Red Flags for Facebook Marketplace Scams?
  1. Sellers offer suspiciously low prices for high-ticket items.
  2. Sellers refuse to meet in person.
  3. Buyers or sellers try to take the conversation outside of Facebook Messenger.
  4. Buyers send you prepaid shipping labels.
  5. A buyer overpays for a product.
Jan 5, 2023

What can a scammer do with my phone number? ›

Your phone number is an easy access point for scammers and identity thieves. Once they know your number, they can use it to send you phishing texts, trick you into installing malware and spyware, or use social engineering attacks to get you to hand over your personal identifying information (PII).

What is the best way to expose a scammer? ›

Report most common scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main agency that collects scam reports. Report the scam to the FTC online, or by phone at 1-877-382-4357 (9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, ET). The FTC accepts complaints about most scams, including these popular ones: Phone calls.

What personal information do hackers need? ›

Many online services require users to fill in personal details such as full name, home address and credit card number. Criminals steal this data from online accounts to commit identity theft, such as using the victim's credit card or taking loans in their name.

What does a scammer ask for? ›

Phishing emails, texts, calls, and websites

The scammer might even impersonate your boss and ask you to send them your log-in information for work. Any information you send — like account passwords or credit card numbers — will go directly to the scammer and can be used to steal your identity.

What happens if a scammer has your email address? ›

One of the major risks of scammers having your email address is that they'll use it to hack into your other online accounts. With your email address, they can request password resets, try entering your other passwords that have been leaked online, and even break into your email account.

Is it OK to give my phone number on Facebook marketplace? ›

Guard your personal information.

You don't need to give someone your phone number to make a sale on an online marketplace. Be sure you know who you are speaking with before you share it. Never give out your phone number in public social media posts.

Should you give your address on Facebook marketplace? ›

Never give out your phone number, address, passwords, or send money, devices, and other gifts directly to someone who you don't know in person. Get details about the condition of the item.

Why do people ask you to text them on Facebook marketplace? ›

Here's how it works: The scammer sends you a message letting you know they're interested in buying your item. They may message you a phone number and ask you to text them. Then they'll say they're hesitant to proceed because they've heard about fake online listings.

What area codes should you not answer? ›

The one-ring scam
  • 268.
  • 284.
  • 473.
  • 664.
  • 649.
  • 767.
  • 809.
  • 829.

What area codes are usually scams? ›

If they do neither, it's likely not necessary for you to call back and risk the charges. According to the FTC, some of the area codes that have possibly been linked to the one ring scam include: 268, 284, 473, 664, 649, 767, 809, 829, 849 and 876.

Who is the biggest scammer in the world? ›

Emmanuel Nwude
OccupationFormer Director of the Union Bank of Nigeria
Known forDefrauding $242 million out of Banco Noroeste and alleged attack on the Nigerian town of Ukpo, Anambra State.
Criminal statusReleased in fraud case, but currently in custody on murder charges
Criminal penalty25 years for fraud case
5 more rows

Can a scammer steal your info through text? ›

Spam Text Messages and Phishing

Scammers send fake text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information — things like your password, account number, or Social Security number. If they get that information, they could gain access to your email, bank, or other accounts.

Can your phone be hacked by a text? ›

Android phones can get infected by merely receiving a picture via text message, according to research published Monday. This is likely the biggest smartphone flaw ever discovered. It affects an estimated 950 million phones worldwide -- about 95% of the Androids in use today.

Can hackers get your info if you text back? ›

This is why it has become a primary target for hackers, and, yes, you can be hacked by replying to a text. Hackers have created a number of ways to attack your phone, and in this article, we are going to detail what these are, and how to fight back.

How can you tell if someone is sketchy on Facebook marketplace? ›

For Buyers: How to Spot a Seller Scam on Marketplace
  1. The listing offers a suspiciously low price for a high-demand item. ...
  2. The seller will not meet you in person or let you see the item before purchase. ...
  3. The seller asks you to pay using gift cards for eBay or another company.
Sep 22, 2021

Should I give my phone number to someone on Facebook marketplace? ›

Guard your personal information.

You don't need to give someone your phone number to make a sale on an online marketplace. Be sure you know who you are speaking with before you share it. Never give out your phone number in public social media posts.

How can you tell if a Facebook buyer is legit? ›

If you want to buy an item on the Facebook Marketplace, you must have a Facebook profile. A legitimate buyer will have a robust profile, while a scam artist likely will have a skeletal profile created recently. Some users' privacy settings may limit the amount of information you can glean from their profile.

How do I verify a buyer on Facebook marketplace? ›

Check out buyer/seller profiles.

If they've only been on Facebook for a short time, or if they have very few friends, that could be a warning sign. Also, search on their name in Facebook; if you see more than one profile using the same name and photo, that should raise a red flag.

Should I give someone my address on Facebook marketplace? ›

Never give out your phone number, address, passwords, or send money, devices, and other gifts directly to someone who you don't know in person. Get details about the condition of the item.

Can someone hack my bank account with my phone number? ›

With your phone number, a hacker can start hijacking your accounts one by one by having a password reset sent to your phone. They can trick automated systems — like your bank — into thinking they're you when you call customer service.

Can a scammer do anything with your name and phone number? ›

With your personal information, scammers can: access and drain your bank account. open new bank accounts in your name and take out loans or lines of credit. take out phone plans and other contracts.

How do you know if a buyer is scamming you on Facebook marketplace? ›

What are Some Red Flags for Facebook Marketplace Scams?
  1. Sellers offer suspiciously low prices for high-ticket items.
  2. Sellers refuse to meet in person.
  3. Buyers or sellers try to take the conversation outside of Facebook Messenger.
  4. Buyers send you prepaid shipping labels.
  5. A buyer overpays for a product.
Jan 5, 2023

Why do marketplace buyers want my phone number? ›

Turns out people want your phone number so they can use it to get Google Voice Numbers. They use your phone as leverage.

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