How Do You Tell If There is a Facebook Marketplace Scam?
Scrolling through Facebook's listings that pile on top of each other is always fun. Sellers expect to find an appropriate customer for any type of product since this multi-vendor marketplace platform is the largest in the world. Yet, a Facebook Marketplace scam can deprive this experience of all joy. More often than not, fake buyers trick sellers out of their money. Luckily, we're here to help you spot these fraudsters from a mile away. Let's get started.
Notice Red Flags Early On - Here's How to Spot a Facebook Marketplace Scam
First and foremost, your inner radar must be finely tuned. There is no excuse for losing money and avoiding learning how to spot a scam on Facebook Marketplace. Beware of buyers who rush the sale and request personal information from you. Getting overpayment offers is a major red flag.
In case a customer insists on using obscure payment methods and declines to meet in person, don't go through with the order. There is a popular fraud with the Zelle payment method, which can potentially cause problems and hinder the success of the e-commerce business, so stay alert. The point is to know all the possible fraudulent activity that can happen and nip it in the bud.
What is a Zelle Facebook Marketplace Scam?
Selling on Facebook Marketplace is ideal since it is free to list anything from A to Z. When any of the online sellers decide to post their high-value items, the Zelle Business Account Fraud could happen. This means that a fake customer would request to order the item from the listing but offer to pay via Zelle.
Sellers need to give the buyers their email addresses where a fake Zelle email is sent. Sellers interpret this as the buyer's payment being stuck in limbo because it was made from a Zelle business account. To get the funds, they need to upgrade their account to the business level. But the catch is that there is no money in the transaction.
Tips for Preventing Zelle Scam on Facebook Marketplace
When using Facebook's Marketplace to post second-hand items, protecting yourself from the Facebook Marketplace Scam on Zelle is essential. Remember, legitimate Zelle transactions are instantaneous, and "business accounts" don't exist. Only accepts to get paid within the marketplace platform's recommended methods. Confirm the payment before shipping the item.
Common Payment Scams Can Hurt a Blooming E-Commerce Business
Getting scammed through overpayment schemes is a serious setback. A customer could claim that the payment that was sent exceeded the asking price, leading to a refund request. It's most likely that this claim was fake, which can be proved when it fails to clear. A clueless seller could refund the buyer before checking the money was paid, which is a no-no. This is a plain and simple loss.
How Can a Seller Avoid Payment Scams
We recommend keeping the pricing strategy intact and checking how payments are processed to prevent this from happening to you. Never accept more than the agreed amount. Use secure transaction methods that offer protection of funds, and once again, wait for the money before shipping the item. A pro tip is documenting the communication with the buyer and the entire transaction.
Majority of Scammers Request Fake Returns
Scammers generally exploit the tactic of falsely claiming that the ordered item never arrived. This fraudulent transaction can have a significantly negative impact on smaller e-commerce businesses. A seller needs to refund the purchase price or send the buyer another product at their own expense.
We recommend helping your e-commerce business out and documenting every detail of the transaction. The safest way to avoid scams is to implement a robust return policy, which customers need to be aware of before ordering a used item.
For extra tips on handling returns and refunds appropriately, watch the video below.
Sellers Sometimes Get Scammed Out of Their 2FA Code
All Facebook's resellers need to be aware of the 2FA code frauds. When fraudsters pose as interested buyers, they might request your phone number to discuss a sale. Now, if you accept this, you could be in a world of trouble.
When fraudsters get a hold of the number, they might use it to set up a Google Voice account, which requires a verification step. With your 2FA code, they can establish an account linked to your phone number. Then, the fraudulent activities will just snowball with this breach of privacy.
Tips for Targeting a Buyer With an Intent to Steal a 2FA Code
The best method is to protect yourself by understanding the proper sale process. To avoid becoming a target, remember these tips:
- Only share your phone number with verified buyers,
- Don't go through with the sales when the buyer insists on obtaining a phone number,
- Remember that legitimate platforms won't ask for your 2FA code,
- Communicate with the customer via Messenger.
How to Report a Scam on Facebook Marketplace?
Scammers are active on all the best online selling platforms. So, what can one do when something happens on Facebook? Turn to Facebook's Help Center for reporting the fraud. You can easily find it on Facebook's interface. Sellers need to provide as much information as possible about the whole communication with the customer and transaction. Reporting promptly will save you from further issues and safeguard the community.
Resell to Numerous Customers Safely With Software for Selling Online
Don't fall into the pit of despair thinking your listings attract scammers most of the time. Find a broader customer base with the help of a crossposting tool. The main perk of a crossposting app is having the opportunity to sell across multiple platforms. The ideal cross-listing software for you is Zipsale since it connects listings from Facebook Marketplace with Depop, Shopify, Etsy, Poshmark, eBay, and Vinted.
One major inventory of the crossposting software works wonders for sustaining the organization. Therefore, scams can't do a lot of damage to you when you establish a thriving business. Finally, to enjoy all the benefits, register with the multichannel listing software ASAP!
