Private Buying/Selling Scams

Fraud through Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist is a prevalent issue in the online buying and selling world. Both platforms provide a convenient way for individuals to connect and engage in transactions, but they also attract scammers and fraudsters looking to take advantage of unsuspecting users.

Common Types of Fraud Seen on These Platforms:

1. Fake Listings: Scammers create phony product listings for popular and high-demand items at attractive prices. They may use stock images or pictures stolen from legitimate sellers to make the listings appear genuine. Once a buyer shows interest, the scammer might ask for payment upfront but never deliver the item.
2. Overpayment Scams: In this scheme, a scammer posing as a buyer will agree to purchase an item but send a check or money order for more than the agreed-upon price. They’ll then ask the seller to refund the excess amount before the original payment clears, leaving the seller out of pocket when the fraudulent payment eventually bounces.
3. Phishing Scams: Scammers may send messages that appear to be from Facebook or Craigslist, asking users to verify their accounts or payment information. The links in these messages often lead to fake websites designed to steal login credentials or financial information.
4. Non-Delivery of Goods: Sometimes, a legitimate transaction occurs, but the seller never ships the product. The buyer is left without the item they paid for and may need help getting a refund.
5. Identity Theft: Scammers might use fake identities to create listings or pose as buyers. They may request personal information from sellers or use the information provided in listings for fraud.

Tips to Avoid Fraud:

1. Meet in Person and Use Cash: Whenever possible, meet the buyer or seller in person to inspect the item and exchange cash. This tactic reduces the risk of fraudulent transactions.
2. Verify the Identity: If dealing with an online transaction, verify the person’s identity through their Facebook or Craigslist profile. Look for red flags such as newly created profiles or limited activity.
3. Use Secure Payment Methods: If you must make online payments, use secure methods like PayPal, which offers buyer protection. Avoid wiring money or using unsecured payment services.
4. Trust Your Instincts: If a deal seems too good to be true or feels suspicious, it probably is. Trust your instincts and be cautious.
5. Research the Item’s Value: Before buying or selling an item, research its market value. If a listing deviates significantly from the average price, it may be a red flag.
6. Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a suspicious listing or user, report it to the platform so they can take appropriate action.

Remember, while online marketplaces provide convenience, you must stay vigilant and take precautions to protect yourself from fraud.

If you become a fraud victim through Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, taking immediate action is essential to mitigate the damage and increase the chances of recovering your losses.

Action Steps for Fraud Victims:

1. Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant information related to the fraudulent transaction, such as the seller’s profile details, the item listing, any messages or emails exchanged, and proof of payment.
2. Contact the Platform: Report the incident to the respective platform (Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist). They have systems in place to handle fraud and may be able to assist you in resolving the issue or taking appropriate action against the fraudulent user.
3. Contact Your Payment Provider: If you made a payment through a secure method like PayPal, credit card, or another payment service, contact the provider to dispute the transaction and seek a refund.
4. Notify Law Enforcement: If you believe the fraud was conducted with malicious intent or involves a substantial amount of money, report the incident to your local law enforcement agency. Provide them with all the evidence you’ve gathered.
5. File a Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): If you’re in the United States, you can report the fraud to the FTC or call the toll-free helpline at 1-877-FTC-HELP.
6. Protect Your Accounts: If you provided any personal information to the scammer, protect your accounts. Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
7. Alert Your Credit Union: If you share your financial information, contact your credit union to report the potential fraud and monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions.
8. Warn Others: If you discover a fraudulent listing or user, warn others in your community or social networks to prevent them from falling victim to the same scam.
9. Learn from the Experience: Reflect on what happened and how you can avoid similar scams in the future. Be cautious when dealing with unknown individuals online, and follow the safety tips the platforms provide.

Remember that response times are crucial when dealing with fraud incidents, so act promptly. Additionally, be prepared that it might not always be possible to recover your losses, especially if you sent money via untraceable methods like wire transfers or gift cards. Being vigilant and skeptical about suspicious transactions can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a fraud victim in the first place.