Facebook Marketplace scams: Warning signs buyers and sellers should know

Facebook Marketplace offers enticing deals, but South African police warn that cheap prices, fake payments, and unsafe meeting places can turn transactions into costly or dangerous experiences. A low price doesn't always mean a bargain, and it can be a warning sign of a scam. Sellers face risks too, with scammers using fake payment confirmations to acquire goods without paying.

Buyers may lose money after paying deposits or making upfront payments for items that never arrive. In some cases, victims have been lured to isolated locations and robbed following online advertisements. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has issued warnings about online marketplace scams, including those on Facebook Marketplace.

Buyers and sellers should look out for unusually cheap listings, upfront payments, fake proof of payment, and QR codes being used in scams. A bargain doesn't automatically mean a scam, but items advertised for significantly less than their usual market price should raise questions. If a seller insists on immediate payment due to another buyer's interest, it's wise to pause.

Avoid making deposits, e-wallet payments, or full payments before confirming the existence of goods and the seller's legitimacy. Sellers should inspect items before paying, and buyers should avoid scanning QR codes simply because someone claims they're needed for a refund or transaction. Sellers should verify payments with their bank account and confirm cleared payments before handing over goods.

Buyers should be wary of paying more than the asking price and then asking the seller to send the difference back. Sellers should also be cautious of unexpected couriers, payment services, or third parties in a straightforward transaction. Large items like furniture or appliances can make collection more challenging, but sellers should think twice about giving strangers access to their homes.

SAPS warns that people responding to online ads have been lured to secluded areas and robbed. Online transactions can become dangerous when buyers or sellers are persuaded to meet in isolated locations. If you're asked to meet in an unfamiliar or secluded place, reconsider the transaction. If the price seems too good to be true, ask for a deposit before seeing the item, or if a buyer only provides a screenshot as proof of payment, proceed with caution.

Unnecessary requests for banking or personal information, a complicated transaction, or a change in meeting location to a secluded area should also raise red flags. Even if you've spent time communicating with a buyer or seller, it's okay to stop if something seems off. Don't send more money if you believe something is wrong. Keep all transaction-related information, including listings, messages, phone numbers, banking details, and payment records, in case it helps with an investigation.

Report suspicious activity through Facebook's Marketplace reporting tools, and any suspected crimes to the police. Online bargains may tempt you, but taking a step back could save you far more than the deal itself.