FAQs
While it's great to unload something you don't need or buy something you do, Facebook Marketplace still has drawbacks. Like every online marketplace, scammers lurk there to take advantage of people, steal their money and items, or even trick them into revealing information that could lead to identity theft.
What is the safest way to buy on Facebook Marketplace? ›
How To Safely Buy on Facebook Marketplace
- Check seller profiles and reviews. ...
- Pick up items instead of having them delivered. ...
- Meet the seller in a public place. ...
- Have a friend accompany you when picking up an item. ...
- Inspect the item you're buying before paying. ...
- Use secure payment methods. ...
- Check buyer profiles and reviews.
What are the risks of buying on Facebook Marketplace? ›
While it's great to unload something you don't need or buy something you do, Facebook Marketplace still has drawbacks. Like every online marketplace, scammers lurk there to take advantage of people, steal their money and items, or even trick them into revealing information that could lead to identity theft.
How do I protect my Marketplace purchases on Facebook? ›
To provide Purchase Protection for an order, we need to be able to track the transaction. When you use delivery or checkout on Facebook, our team can mediate disputes, as we can review details about the order and certain messages that a buyer and seller have exchanged.
What is the safest way to receive money when selling on Marketplace? ›
Instead, offer to use a secure person-to-person payment site, such as PayPal or sending and receiving money in Messenger. If you choose to pay electronically using wire transfer or money order solutions, avoid payment links and log in directly through the payment method's website.
What not to do on FB Marketplace? ›
To help protect your safety, do not share personal information – like your email or phone number – with people you do not know. Instead, communicate through Messenger about potential Marketplace transactions.
What should I be careful of when selling on Facebook Marketplace? ›
Keep the following safety tips in mind when selling stuff on Marketplace:
- View the person's profile and rating. ...
- Protect your privacy. ...
- Know About Delivery Options for Items. ...
- Use safe payment methods. ...
- Review our Commerce Policies. ...
- Verify the legitimacy of the item. ...
- Don't sell recalled items.
What is not allowed on Facebook Marketplace? ›
No item for sale: Anything that isn't a physical product for sale shouldn't be listed on Marketplace. For example, "in search of" posts, lost and found posts, jokes and news aren't allowed. Services: Selling services (example: house cleaning) on Marketplace isn't allowed.
Is it safe to sell on Facebook Marketplace from home? ›
“If you stay within their ecosystem and use their payment methods that are built into the platform, I would say yes, Facebook Marketplace is safe,” says McKeon. “But savvy scammers that are good at manipulating people will sometimes say, 'Oh, by the way, let's go pay here,' and that's when the problems can start.”
How do I keep myself safe on Facebook Marketplace? ›
10 Tips to Avoid Facebook Marketplace Scammers
- Verify the Seller's Profile: ...
- Use Facebook Messenger for Communication: ...
- Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals: ...
- Meet in Public Places: ...
- Cash is King: ...
- Inspect the Item Thoroughly: ...
- Be Wary of Shipping Requests: ...
- Avoid Advanced Payment Requests:
Hide listings on Facebook Marketplace
- From your Feed, in the left menu, click Marketplace.
- Click a listing that you want to hide.
- Click .
- Click Hide listing.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Is it safe to use a credit card on Facebook Marketplace? ›
Generally, as long as you don't transfer money outside Facebook, you are covered, as both credit card and Facebook payments are insured. However, even if getting scammed does not cost you anything, the time you would lose making the claims and communicating with the scammer would be a waste.
What is the most secure payment method for Facebook Marketplace? ›
Advantages of Using PayPal on Facebook Marketplace
Comprehensive Buyer and Seller Protection: PayPal is notable for its robust protection policies for both buyers and sellers. For buyers, this includes safeguards against fraudulent transactions, receiving the wrong item, or not receiving an item at all.
Is Venmo or Zelle safe for Facebook Marketplace? ›
Good To Know. The alert from the BBB specifically mentions Zelle scams on Facebook Marketplace, but a scammer could use most any peer-to-peer payment app, such as Venmo or Cash App.
How do people pay on Facebook Marketplace? ›
You can use a credit card, debit card or PayPal account to buy items with checkout on Facebook or Marketplace. Learn how to add or remove a payment method from your Facebook account.
Is it safe to use PayPal for Facebook Marketplace? ›
As for payment, carrying cash, especially a lot of cash, is risky. Facebook Marketplace recommends a secure person-to-person payment method such as PayPal.