Here are six common signs that you might be getting scammed on Facebook Marketplace

1. Incomplete Seller Profiles: If a seller’s profile lacks a profile picture or has very few friends, it could be a red flag. Scammers often create fake profiles with minimal information to appear legitimate but avoid scrutiny​ .

2. Suspicious Photos: Listings with photos that look like they were taken from a website rather than personal snapshots could indicate a scam. Always request additional photos or videos of the item to ensure it’s real​.

3. Too Good to Be True Deals: Be cautious of deals that seem too good. Extremely low prices for valuable items or offers to pay more than the asking price should raise suspicion. Scammers use these tactics to lure in unsuspecting buyers or sellers​. For example, someone selling a vehicle or something you know is valuable, and the price seems meager.

4. Urgent or Unusual Payment Requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to complete the transaction quickly. They may also request payment through unconventional methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or apps like Zelle, which lack buyer protection features.

5. Claims of Non-Receipt: For transactions involving shipping, a common scam is the buyer claiming they never received the item, which can result in the seller losing both the item and the payment. To avoid this, use secure payment methods and ensure you have proof of delivery.

6. Phishing for Personal Information: Scammers may ask for unnecessary personal information, such as social security numbers or verification codes, under various pretexts. This is often a ploy to steal your identity or hack into your accounts.

Facebook Marketplace is a great place to sell items. It costs nothing, and you can find items in your local area. Unfortunately, however, bad actors always want your information and are successful if you’re not on top of your game.