09/11/2025
If you are selling or buying anything from Facebook Marketplace be sure to choose well-lit, public meeting spots like police station parking lots, avoid sharing your home address or personal data, and communicate only through Facebook Messenger to avoid scams. Consider bringing a friend or family member, using a secure payment method, verifying the other party's profile, and reporting any suspicious activity immediately.
Before you meet be sure to verify the Seller/Buyer:
Check their profile for ratings, reviews, and account activity to establish trust.
Communicate Safely:
Use Facebook Messenger to keep a record of conversations and avoid sharing personal information like your phone number or email address.
Be Wary of Scams:
Watch out for deals that seem too good to be true, aggressive behavior, or requests to pay via unusual methods like gift cards.
When You Meet
Choose a Safe, Public Place:
Select a well-lit, busy public location, such as a restaurant, shopping center, or a designated police station meeting spot.
Bring a Friend:
Take a family member or friend with you to act as a witness to the transaction.
Use a Secure Payment Method:
Be cautious with person-to-person payment apps, as they often do not offer protection if you send money to the wrong person. Cash is acceptable, but only after you have inspected the item.
After the Transaction
Report Suspicious Activity:
If you encounter a scammer or notice any unusual activity, stop communicating and report the person or listing to Facebook.
Consider filing a complaint:
You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
