Cybercriminals target popular platforms that are known to have many users. This is why you may find a lot of scammers on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Facebook Marketplace intensifies the risk for consumers by adding direct sales into the mix. Below is a list of scams that some social media users have seen or been affected by recently:

Buying Non-Delivery Scams: When buying things from places like Facebook Marketplace, in some instances, the seller may not actually have the item to sell. Stay cautious and be wary of anybody like this who asks you to pay using cryptocurrencies or other non-secure payment methods. If the seller tries to hurry you up by claiming they have another buyer, this could be a sign that they are trying to emotionally manipulate you.

Rental Scams: A growing number of people are being targeted by rental scams. These scams use fake rental listings for properties, spare rooms, boats, bikes, sports equipment, and potentially other rental items. To prevent yourself from falling victim to rental scams on Facebook Marketplace, be suspicious of below-market pricing. Inspect the property or rental equipment in person before providing payment. Avoid wire transfers or cash-only requests.

Pet Scams: During and since the pandemic, there has been a surge in people working from home, leading to increased interest in owning pets. Unfortunately, scammers have taken advantage of this trend by creating fraudulent listings for popular pets on Facebook Marketplace. If you see a pet advertised on Facebook Marketplace, we recommend that you do not provide any upfront payments. Be careful only to provide a deposit if you are certain of the legitimacy of the seller.