FACEBOOK users must beware the signs of sinister online scams.
That’s the advice from cyber-experts who have revealed three clues you’re being target by crooks.
Facebook Marketplace is one of the most popular ways to buy and sell goods online.
It makes it easy to connect with people, even letting you message them directly.
But Keeper Security has revealed that the smash-hit app feature has a dark side: scams.
“While Facebook Marketplace is a great way to find clothes, furniture and other items at discounted prices, there comes the risk of being scammed on the platform, making it crucial to be extra cautious as both a buyer and a seller,” Keeper Security’s Aranza Trevino explained.
There are three scams in particular that are aimed at buyers.
The first is known as a bait-and-switch, according to the cybersecurity experts.
This is when you go on Marketplace and find a popular product available for a low price.
Typically the price will be so good that you can’t pass it up, so you send them a message.
“However, the product the buyer is selling isn’t actually being sold,” Aranza explained.
“Once a buyer has lured a victim into wanting to purchase the product, they’ll say it’s not available anymore but offer a similar product at a higher price or lower quality.”
A second common scam involves deposits.
This scheme is usually deployed when a seller is listing a very expensive product.
The crook will typically ask you to put down a deposit to guarantee that you’re actually going to buy the item.
But never do this: it’s important that you don’t hand over cash before meeting with the seller.
Aranza warned: “If a seller is urging you to pay them a deposit, it’s best not to pay it because the listing is most likely a scam and you’ll lose money by putting down the deposit.”
The third type of scam to watch out for makes use of gift cards.
For this scam, you’ll be asked to pay using gift cards – rather than a trusted payment method.
You’ll be asked to load a gift card with cash equivalent to the item’s sale price.
And then you’ll be told to send the gift card number (and PIN if necessary) before the item can be shipped.
This is extremely dangerous and leaves you very exposed.
“The item in question may not be what the buyer intended to buy or they may not receive any item at all, because it never existed,” Aranza warned.
“Gift cards are untraceable and cannot be refunded which is why scammers prefer to get gift cards as a form of payment.”
When you’re shopping on Facebook Marketplace, make sure to stick to secure payment methods and check seller reviews.
Where possible, avoid having items shipped and instead try to arrange sales for public places – preferably with a friend or family member accompanying you.
That way you can verify the item and the seller in person.
Also, make sure to stick to Facebook Messenger for your communications.
Often scammers will try to draw you on to other chat apps to get your information.
