Maintain Communication Within Facebook Marketplace: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers

Key Takeaways

Facebook Marketplace is popular due to its integration with Facebook, but it lacks protection for transactions made outside the platform.

Profile photos and names on Facebook Marketplace offer a feeling of assurance, although scammers persist. To prevent being reported and to erase any evidence, scammers strive to steer conversations away from Facebook. Hence, it is vital to remain within the marketplace and promptly report any questionable activities.

Facebook Marketplace is the preferred choice among several online platforms for buying and selling used items. Its integration with Facebook allows convenient communication through the Messenger app. However, stepping outside of Facebook's monitoring leaves you exposed and unprotected. This article on Cybersecurity Awareness Week is presented in partnership with Incogni.

The distinctive advantage of Facebook Marketplace compared to alternatives, particularly Craigslist, lies in the availability of profile photos and names. It eliminates the sense of interacting with a completely unknown individual. While the presence of a Facebook account implies authenticity, it is not always guaranteed.

"Can We Chat On...?"

Scammers on Facebook Marketplace often try to deceive users by taking conversations off the platform. Numerous scams have been reported, targeting both buyers and sellers. A common trend among these scams is the scammer's desire to communicate outside of Facebook.

To facilitate their fraudulent activities, scammers exploit various communication tools and platforms. They may suggest switching to messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, request for personal contact details such as phone numbers or email addresses, or even attempt to contact users directly on Facebook, bypassing the Marketplace. The specific communication platform used is not significant; what matters is that scammers aim to engage in conversation outside the safety of the Facebook Marketplace.

Why Do They Do It?

At first glance, this may appear to be a harmless activity. After all, not everyone is a fan of Facebook, correct? Additionally, resorting to "old-fashioned" methods of communication such as text messages or emails might seem like a more secure option. Although there is nothing intrinsically risky about exchanging emails with an unfamiliar individual or engaging in a conversation on WhatsApp, it is the underlying intention that is crucial.

Scammers communicate outside of Facebook to evade being reported and blocked from Marketplace. By obtaining what they desire from victims, scammers can easily delete the Marketplace listing and original chat, effectively concealing their actions and preventing victims from reporting them. Unfortunately, this leaves victims helpless. While it is indeed possible to fall victim to scams on Facebook Marketplace, reporting a visible scam is far simpler than reporting an invisible one.

Just Say No

Spotting this type of Facebook scam is incredibly simple, which is great news. There is absolutely no legitimate reason to shift a Facebook Marketplace conversation elsewhere. All the necessary buying or selling communication can be effectively carried out within the app itself.

Purchasing or receiving payment through external apps, such as PayPal or Venmo, is a separate aspect of the process and caution must be exercised to avoid blind transactions.

The easiest approach is to decline such requests. In fact, you don't even need to respond. If someone urges you to shift the conversation elsewhere, it is advisable to report the user and end the conversation completely. Remember, there is absolutely no need to engage with a Facebook Marketplace buyer or seller outside of the platform. Prioritize your safety at all times.