Facebook Marketplace scams: Warning signs buyers and sellers should know - IOL

A bargain can be hard to resist, particularly when the same item costs considerably more when bought new. But on Facebook Marketplace, a low price can sometimes be the first warning sign rather than the opportunity it appears to be.

Facebook Marketplace bargains can be tempting, but South African police have warned that unusually cheap deals, fake payments and unsafe meeting places can turn an online transaction into a costly or dangerous experience.

A low price is not always a bargain. In some cases, it can be the first warning sign of a scam.

Sellers are also at risk, with scammers using fake payment confirmations to obtain goods without paying.

Buyers, meanwhile, can lose money after paying deposits or making upfront payments for goods that never arrive.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has issued several warnings about online marketplace scams, including those involving Facebook Marketplace.

In August, Tshwane police warned consumers about unusually cheap listings, upfront payments, fake proof of payment and QR codes being used in scams.

So, what should buyers and sellers look out for?

A bargain is not automatically a scam, but an item advertised for significantly less than its usual market price should raise questions.

SAPS has warned about listings priced well below normal market value.

Scammers may use low prices to attract potential buyers before pressuring them to make a deposit or payment.

If a seller insists that you pay immediately because another buyer is supposedly interested, take a step back.

Avoid making deposits, e-wallet payments or full payments before establishing that the goods exist and the seller is legitimate.

For more expensive purchases, inspect the item properly before handing over any money.

A seller who refuses a reasonable request to see the item before payment may be a reason to walk away.

A convincing Marketplace profile is also not proof that a transaction is safe.

While Facebook allows users to view Marketplace profiles and ratings, it states that it does not verify whether people leaving ratings actually purchased the product or used the service.

Scammers may send payment links, ask buyers to scan QR codes or request personal or banking information.

SAPS has warned consumers not to scan QR codes simply because someone claims they are needed to receive a refund, complete a transaction or receive money.

Do not provide passwords, PINs or other sensitive information simply to complete a Marketplace transaction.

If you're selling good on Facebook Marketplace, this is what you need to know.

One of the biggest risks for sellers is fake proof of payment.

A buyer may send a screenshot showing that a payment has supposedly been made, but SAPS has warned that electronic proof of payment can be manipulated.

Sellers should check their own bank account and confirm that the money has cleared before handing over goods.

If the payment is not reflected in the account, the goods should not be handed over.

If a buyer agrees to pay more than the asking price and then asks the seller to send the difference back, the transaction should be carefully verified.

Sellers should also be wary when buyers introduce unexpected couriers, payment services or third parties into what should be a straightforward transaction.

Selling large items such as furniture or appliances can make collection more difficult, but sellers should think carefully about giving strangers access to their homes.

SAPS has previously warned sellers about criminals posing as potential buyers and arranging meetings or deliveries in unfamiliar areas.

An online transaction can become dangerous when buyers or sellers are persuaded to meet in isolated locations.

For face-to-face transactions, choose a busy, familiar public location. A police station can also be considered where appropriate.

Tell someone you trust where you are going and, where possible, have someone accompany you.

If the other person suddenly insists on changing the meeting point to somewhere secluded, reconsider the transaction.

Here's what to look out for when buying on Facebook Marketplace.

The price is dramatically lower than expected.

You are pressured to pay immediately.

You are asked for a deposit before seeing the item.

The seller refuses to verify the goods.

A buyer provides only a screenshot as proof of payment.

You are asked to scan an unexpected QR code.

You are asked for unnecessary banking or personal information.

The transaction becomes unnecessarily complicated.

The meeting location changes to an isolated area.

The person's story becomes inconsistent.

You are not obliged to complete a transaction simply because you have already spent time communicating with a buyer or seller.

Stop communicating if you believe something is wrong and do not send any further money.

Keep the listing, messages, telephone numbers, banking details, payment records and other evidence linked to the transaction.

SAPS has asked victims to preserve this information as it may assist with an investigation.

Suspicious activity can also be reported through Facebook's Marketplace reporting tools, while suspected crimes should be reported to the police.

When it comes to online bargains, taking a step back could be worth far more than the deal itself.