How to Avoid eBay & Facebook Marketplace Scams

Learn 10 effective ways to stay safe when shopping online

Scams on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Scammers exploit buyers' emotions, time pressure, and attractive prices to steal money. Understanding their methods is the first step to safe online shopping.

Check seller profiles and ratings

Always verify sales history, ratings, and account age. Avoid new accounts with no history.

Red flag: New account with no ratings or sales history

Avoid advance payments and suspicious payment methods

Never pay upfront for items you haven't seen. Avoid wire transfers to unknown accounts.

Red flag: Requesting advance payment or payment to foreign accounts

Meet in safe public places

Always meet in public places, preferably at shopping centers or police stations.

Red flag: Suggesting meetings in remote locations or shipping only

Verify items before payment

Thoroughly inspect the item and test all functions before handing over money.

Red flag: Time pressure or refusal to show the item

Analyze descriptions and photos

Pay attention to photo quality, description detail, and information consistency.

Red flag: Blurry photos, lack of details, or copied descriptions

Use secure payment methods

Prefer PayPal, credit cards, or cash on delivery. Avoid wire transfers to unknown accounts.

Red flag: Requesting payment via cryptocurrency or gift cards

Most Common Scam Types

Advance payment scam

Seller demands upfront payment and then disappears with the money.

Fake photos

Using internet photos instead of actual item photos.

Fake payment links

Sending links to fake payment sites to steal personal data.

Shipping scam

Sending empty packages or items different from what was described.

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