5 Red Flags to Watch for in Latest Facebook Scam
Here are a few things to look out for when shopping on the online marketplace.
Facebook Marketplace is a great resource for finding great deals on everything from furniture and clothing to cars and housing. However, due to the fact that it's nearly impossible to regulate every single posting and poster, there are lots of scams that go down. How can you avoid being scammed on Facebook Marketplace? Fox News put together a list of red flags to look out for.
One of the greatest things about Facebook Marketplace is that someone has to have a profile to sell on it. Before buying anything, you should always look at it to ensure there is nothing suspect. "A big red flag proving that someone could be a scammer is if they don't have many friends, pictures, or posts on their profile page," they say. "You should also check to see if this person has recently joined Facebook or if they've been on the platform for a while. The longer the profile has been up and the more posts the person has, the more likely it is to be a real person and not a scammer." Other information to look for is inconsistencies about where they live or other personal details.
If someone asks you to pay for an item with a gift card, that should be a red flag. "The reason they want people to pay with gift cards is that gift cards are not traceable. If you pay someone in the form of a gift card and then later find out it's a scam, it is nearly impossible for a bank or credit card company to help you get that money back," they say.
Search for the same item in various parts of the country. Scammers often list items, including real estate, pets, or cars, in several places and in multiple posts. If you find this, report it to Facebook ASAP.
If the seller is telling you a sad story and going out of their way to gain your trust or sympathy, consider that a red flag. "When someone appears to be in distress or facing a challenging situation, our natural inclination is to help and support them. This sympathetic response can lower your guard and make you more susceptible to the scammer's ploy," they say.
Take caution if a seller claims to need the money and pressures you to pay up fast. "The scammer might claim he needs to sell the item quickly due to financial difficulties or impending relocation. This urgency can prompt you to make rushed decisions without properly verifying the authenticity of the situation or the legitimacy of the offer," they say.
