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You may think you've just found a great deal on a gently used bed frame or piece of furniture, but shopping on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace comes with risks — sometimes big risks. Here are some of the ones you should look out for before you try to nab a second-hand buy.
This is a common scam, but if you're trying to snap up a rare buy, you might not be paying attention to the warning signs. First, a spoofed account that looks like it’s coming from Craigslist but is actually from a scammer ends up in your text messages or email.
The message will have a link inviting you to click but don't be tempted. If you do, you'll be asked to verify your identity or type in your credit card number. Worst of all, just clicking on the link, even if you close out immediately, opens you up to a scammer installing spyware on your computer or phone.
Don't use your real email or phone number when you place an ad on Craigslist, and definitely don't click any links or give your credit card number to anyone.
You're probably getting scammed whether you're buying or selling if the other party wants to use a specific site (probably one you've never heard of) because that's how they'll stay safe from fraud — but they're just looking for a way to defraud you. This is a way for them to steal your money or your personal information, both of which are scary.
Do suggest your own third-party site for sending funds, not theirs. PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle are legitimate places to recommend and easy to join.
While not many people use checks these days, scammers may offer to pay you with a cashier's check, an old school method that's easily scammed.
Do reject an offer of payment through cashier's check. If you do want to accept it, say you'll only hand over the item after the check clears.
Wire transfers scammed Americans out of more than $311 million in 2022 alone, and it's no surprise scammers like this method of payment — wire transfers are lightning fast and almost impossible to reverse. One scam involves a scammer "accidentally" sending you too much money, then asking you to send back the difference. By the time you access their supposed overpayment, it's gone.
Don't accept or send wire transfers, period.
In 2021, 13 people were killed trying to buy or sell through Facebook Marketplace, which makes the idea of using the site for anything seem like an unnecessary risk. However, there are a few things you can do to stay safe.
Don't: Meet at your home of the other person's home. Instead, choose a busy public place, or find out if your local police station lets sales happen in their parking lot or even inside the station and arrange a meeting there. Scammers will back out before they even arrive.
Do make sure you bring a friend if you're buying or selling something too heavy to meet in public. Or safest of all, hire a service that will go to the pickup location to get your items for you.
You may think you got a great deal on a brand-new iPhone or other device, only to find out you've gotten a late model phone or worse, a heavy box — and the money has already changed hands. While not the worst crime (see murder above), it can be one that ruins your budget or at least your day.
Do, if the listing is local, insist on meeting the seller at a public place — and open the package and test the device. If the item needs to be shipped to you, refuse any unconventional payment methods (scammers prefer gift cards and wire transfers, for example) and only use ones approved by Facebook.
There's a Marc Jacobs purse you've had your eye on, or maybe some Louis Vuitton shoes — and the price is doable. But you may want to slow your roll. Fakes (and good ones) are being made in other countries and you may not be getting the real deal – even if that's what you're paying for.
Do ask for a certificate of authenticity. Designer bags come with them, and you can even call the nearest store to make sure the serial number is in their system and legit. Pricey jewelry has model numbers and engravings or the company name stamped. Also check the seller's profile. Bad reviews might warn about fake goods.
Maybe that cute two-bedroom at below market rent is calling to you. But chances are good that this is just a scam to get you to fill out an application with all your personal information or worse, give the scammer a deposit (which will disappear, along with the scammer, almost immediately).
Don't look for properties on either of these sites, which aren't known for being a reputable place for real estate. Choose rental companies with a good reputation and a track record of good service.
If you're looking for a car, it might seem reasonable to get a gently used auto through Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. It can be, but watch out for red flags that you're being scammed.
Don't respond to high-pressure tactics or demands that you submit advance payments or deposits to "reserve" the car. Another red flag? You have to act fast because another buyer expressed interest or the seller has to move the car quickly. Also be wary if the seller asks for cash advance or gift card payments, or just wants to be paid outside of Facebook Marketplace (Craigslist has no protections). Ask for the vehicle identification number (VIN) and check sites like CARFAX or AutoCheck for the vehicle. You'll also want to verify the name of the seller.
Since Facebook Marketplace has a safe way to pay for goods, anyone who sends you a QR code for payment is scamming you, full stop. And if someone tries to send you money through a QR code, they're trying to steal your information or fool you into paying them money.
Don't listen when someone tries to send you a QR code. Period.
Maybe a buyer tells you they have a "preferred" shipper, but take this as the red flag it is.
Don't accept a prepaid shipping label and always get a tracking number whenever you ship something so you can follow and verify the item’s delivery – because another scam is saying the item was never received.
This one should seem fishy to you instantly, but if the item for sale is exactly what you want, you may not see (or pointedly ignore) the signs. In a middleman scam, a seller on Craigslist has something listed, but after you start up a conversation with them, they tell you that they’re selling it for someone else. Not only could this mean they're selling stolen property, but it could mean that they want your payment before sending you somewhere to pick up an item — which never existed in the first place.
Don't send money or give your credit card information to this type of seller — and maybe just ghost them once they reveal themselves to be a middleman.
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