Platforms such as Facebook Marketplace lets people buy and sell items and services. Unfortunately, social media and online platforms also attract scammers who try and take advantage of people who are looking for a good deal. Scammers will often advertise fake deals, like cars or rental properties, at unbeatable prices. Their aim is to steal your personal information and money. They may insist that you need to pay before you’ve seen an item by telling you there are lots of other interested buyers.
How to spot the scam
- Property listings with prices far below the going rate in the area
- Prices that are much lower than what other retailers are charging for the same product
- Applying pressure on you to make an urgent payment or encouraging you to place your order quickly before missing out
- Profiles of buyers or sellers that look new, with no friends or photos and little interaction, could be a red flag
Tips on how to Slam the Scam
- Don’t pay for something if you haven’t seen it in person
- If you are selling, do not hand over your goods before confirming payment
- Stick to the original platform of communication until you are certain the deal is legitimate
- Depending on the nature of the product or service, ask for contactable references so
you can do your own background checks
- For your personal safety, always meet in a safe, familiar and public place during day light when exchanging goods. Don’t meet at your or the other party’s house and don’t give out personal addresses
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
