Fake Money, No-Shows, and Other Reasons Not To Use Facebook …

CheapismJennifer MagidUpdated March 30, 2023, 2:50 PMOnline shopping on smartphone.mahiruysal/istockphoto

Bargain or Bust

Here’s a shocking proclamation: Social media isn’t always what it seems. That includes using a social networking site, specifically Facebook Marketplace, for buying and selling. The internet is filled with scammers, ready to list fake items, steal from buyers and sellers, and make something look like a deal that actually is overpriced.

Before you go all in on Facebook Marketplace, here are five ways it may not be a bargain. Related: 12 Things You Should Never Buy on Facebook Marketplace

Close-up of US £100 dollar bills in jeans pocket. Viorika/istockphoto

Scams

Facebook Marketplace can be a scam cesspool, so it’s worth keeping an eye open when you go into any deal. One look on Reddit and you’ll see plenty of people sharing their horror stories.

“Once a local pickup buyer paid by fake bills sandwiched with real ones. I counted the money but didn’t check one by one well. Only realized when ATM rejected to take them in,” shares a Redditor.

Facebook Marketplace lists a number of other tips to keep your money safe, such as never sharing financial or personal information. Related: 10 Area Codes You Should Never Answer (Plus Other Tips)

Sad elderly woman sit on sofa hold smartphone feels disappointed by received sms bad news, awful message, difficulties with modern device usage, unpleasant notification, stressed older person concept fizkes/istockphoto

Wasted Time

It’s all too common to list an item for sale on Facebook Marketplace, receive interest, schedule a pick-up … and then, nada. The interested person simply disappears, never to be heard from again.

Also, if you completed a transaction and are asked for additional payments for shipping, beware: That’s another common scam where you probably won’t get your item. Related: Watch Out for These Scams Targeting Seniors

Woman hand holding credit cards and using smartphone for shopping online with payment on internet banking. Sitthiphong/istockphoto

Trust Issues

Anything you buy through Facebook Marketplace isn’t protected — you’re going by trust. There is purchase protection if you are sending money through a direct Facebook shop that needs to be shipped.

But if you’re buying something for local pickup or using Zelle, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Venmo, and something happens — you’re out of luck. For more helpful shopping tips, please sign up for our free newsletters.

A vacant parking space Angela26/istockphoto

Safety Concerns

You shouldn’t have to worry about your personal safety every time you buy or sell something. Facebook recommends that if you’re meeting someone in person, you should do it in a public, well-lit area.

The company also suggests that you share information about your meeting plans with someone trusted through instant messaging so that there’s a record.

Orange retro bicycle attached to a column maroznc/istockphoto

Misrepresentation

Why does it always seem like the item you agreed to buy looks dirtier or more “used” once you get it? Or there’s the “bait and switch” method, where an item is listed low, then the seller tries to get you to buy the same product at a higher price. It’s good to do some research on a seller before you jump in. Facebook Marketplace recommends studying the seller’s commerce profile to learn more about them.

You should be able to see friends you may have in common, as well as their Marketplace activity, like other listings and reviews.

Originally published March 30, 2023, 2:45 PM

Tags:

bohemia-design listed on couponmatrix.ukdirect-stoves listed on couponmatrix.ukflip-out listed on couponmatrix.ukhoover listed on couponmatrix.ukidealo listed on couponmatrix.uklastminute-com listed on couponmatrix.uk
bohemia-design listed on couponmatrix.ukBohemia Design is an online store that sells unique, handcrafted jewellery and accessories. They offer a discount code to customers who sign up for their newsletter. The discount code can be used on any purchase made on the website. Bohemia Design is a great place to find gifts for friends or family, as well as a special treat for yourself. Use a Bohemia Design discount code when shopping to get a great deal on your purchase. Here at Groupon, we know that saving money is important to our customers. That's why we work hard to find the best Bohemia Design discount codes products. We want our customers to be able to save money on their purchase, and we know that using a Bohemia Design discount code is a great way to do that. Discover the perfect item and save with us - Thanks for using Groupon to save money on your purchase! The "Druzy Stone Pendant Necklace" is a top-performing product at Bohemia Design. This necklace is handmade with a druzy stone pendant. It's a great gift for any occasion, and you can use the Bohemia Design voucher code to get a discount on your purchase. You don't want to miss the best jewelery and accessory offers. Don't wait, start browsing today!
direct-stoves listed on couponmatrix.ukDirect Stoves have been adding the perfect finishing touch to thousands of character properties for over a decade now, bringing warmth, contemporary rustic style and truly authentic cooking facilities with range cookers, and multi fuel and wood burning stoves. Traditionally thought of as an indulgence that's out of reach for most, our Direct Stoves discount code lets you install one of these beautiful, functional and sought-after powerhouses into your home for far less than you ever dreamed possible.
flip-out listed on couponmatrix.ukWith a floor of trampolines, stunt zones and even resident DJs, your bundles of energy will love Flip Out?—the nation’s best-loved trampoline park. Packed with activities, your booking will cost less than you think with our Flip Out discount codes. We update our page regularly with the best sales and offers, including NHS discount codes, so if you check Groupon first they’ll get to dance, play and bounce for the best price!
hoover listed on couponmatrix.ukPut your home in the trusted hands of the century-old innovators at Hoover. With an extensive collection of vacuum cleaners to suit home and areas of all sizes, pick your preferred cleaning appliance for less with our best Hoover deal at Groupon. Whether you want a cordless, upright, handheld or even a steam mop, find affordable cleaning tools for you and your humble abode with Hoover. You could even keep your air clean with an air purifier should you choose – Hoover host them too!
idealo listed on couponmatrix.ukLooking to save on your next purchase? Look no further than Idealo! Find price comparison for all sorts of products and brands, so you can be sure to find something that catches your eye. Plus, our Idealo voucher codes are always up-to-date, so you'll never have to worry about missing out on a great deal. So what are you waiting for? Start browsing our Idealo voucher codes today and see how much you can save! At Groupon, we know that saving money is important to our customers. That's why we work hard to find the best offers on Idealo so you can get the lowest pirce possible on anything from video games to pet supples. We want to make sure you can get the most out of your money, whether you're buying a new TV or a new pair of shoes. If you're looking for Idealo voucher codes, then you've come to the right place. So take a look and see how much you could save on your next purchase. Idealo makes for the perfect place to secure the most modern gadgets at bargain prices, including the best smartphones! Whether you're on the hunt for a new Samsung Galaxy or the latest generation of iPhone, make the most of an Idealo discount code and shave dozens off the price. You need not go through the hassle of comparing the prices from competitors, as Idealo will do the hard work for you!
lastminute-com listed on couponmatrix.ukSometimes it is those that are organised at the very last moment that are the most fun and spontaneous of all, and that’s where lastminute.com comes into play. Whether you have mere days, weeks or the luxury of a few months to plan a holiday away, pick up a lastminute.com discount code and save yourself a fortune. This site can help you plan it all, from package deals to flights, to accommodation and more, without the need to completely raid your piggy bank!