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You all remember the weekly printed publications like the Bargain Finder, Buy & Sell and Auto Trader that you used to buy weekly at the local convenience store? Facebook Marketplace is just a modern electronic version of those publications.

While extremely convenient to search for new and used items, a certain amount of vigilance is always warranted…caveat emptor! Follow some simple rules and Facebook Marketplace can be a fun place to buy and sell items. For some, hanging around this space can be an addiction.

Lots of YouTube videos on how to use FB MarketPlace, here’s one:

As with any social media site, scams are always lurking to snatch unsuspecting new users. I follow some very simple rules to avoid being scammed and to make my experience both safe and positive when using FB Marketplace:

• If Its Too Good to Be True – It Usually is! Yeah, we’ve heard this one before and its so true.
• Check Your Emotions Before You Use FB Marketplace! When you wheel and deal on FB Markeplace, you will be low-balled constantly and enter into some serious negotiations from buyers who want a deal. Don’t take anything personally and remember, you won’t always get what you want and you won’t always get a sale. Lots of tire kickers out there.
• Don’t Offer to Deliver Your For Sale Items: more often than not, they will not show up and waste your time.
• Don’t Send or Accept Any Funds Electronically Unless Its in Person: this is where you have to watch for scammers. Some will direct you to phishing sites to steal your credentials before even seeing the item. Always send and receive any transfers from within the banking site or app.
• Always Conduct a Sale/Purchase in Person: a bird in the hand is worth more than a bird in the bush.
• Meetups in Parking Lots: usually paired up with cash only. Be wary. Pickup at seller’s residences is an indicator the seller isn’t concerned about you knowing their location.
• Don’t Blindly Buy New In the Box or Sealed Items Without Inspecting Contents: be doubly careful if the item is sealed and they will not allow you to open unless payment is made. Just walk away!
• Be Prepared to Lose Your Purchase Price on Items You Buy: not an issue if you are buying furniture which you can inspect but if you are buying a computer, make sure you have the skills to verify everything is operational. Its being sold as-is. Don’t ever take a sellers assurance its fine.
  • Ask seller you want to test the product. If they balk then walk.
  • For electronics with a battery, always ask them to charge 100% and also to test charging. If they show up and forgot to charge…walk.
  • As a bare minimum, power on the item.
  • If the ad says warranty remaining, ask for the receipt for warranty purposes.
• Check a Buyer or Sellers Profile: good reputations are essential. Profiles with no history or recent accounts should be a flag to you to be extra careful or just simply avoid.

Lots of videos on FB MarketPlace regarding scams. Remember, the best scam is the one you are now aware of and believe me, these scammers are “creative” and always a step ahead of you. Remember to follow the rules above to avoid being scammed.

Here’s a good one I’ve reviewed: