Beware of a Facebook post that will steal your money in seconds – look for the clue 'gift'
FACEBOOK users should watch out for the signs of sinister online scams.
That's the advice from cyber experts who have revealed three clues that you are goal by scammers.
Facebook Marketplace is one of the most popular ways to buy and sell goods online.
It makes it easy to connect with people and you can even message them directly.
But Keeper Security has revealed that the popular app feature has a dark side: scams.
“While Facebook Marketplace is a great way to find clothing, furniture and other items at discounted prices, there is a risk of getting scammed on the platform, making it crucial to be extra careful as both a buyer and a seller,” says Aranza from Keeper Security. Trevino explained.
Dangerous scam signs
There are three scams in particular that target buyers.
The first, according to cybersecurity experts, is known as a bait-and-switch.
This is when you go on Marktplaats and find a popular product available for a low price.
Usually the price is so good you can't pass it up, so you send them a message.
“However, the product the buyer is selling is not actually being sold,” Aranza explains.
“Once a buyer has tricked a victim into wanting to buy the product, they will say it is no longer available but offer a similar product at a higher price or lower quality.”
A second common scam involves deposits.
This arrangement is usually applied when a seller offers a very expensive product.
The crook will typically ask you to make a deposit to guarantee that you will actually purchase the item.
But never do this: it is important that you do not hand over any cash before meeting the seller.
Aranza warned: “If a seller urges you to pay a deposit, it is best not to pay it because the offer is likely a scam and you will lose. money by making the down payment.”
The third scam to look out for involves gift cards.
This scam asks you to pay with gift cards, instead of a trusted payment method.
You will be asked to load a gift card with cash equal to the retail price of the item.
And then you will be asked to provide the gift card number (and PIN if necessary) before the item can be shipped.
This is extremely dangerous and leaves you very vulnerable.
“The item in question may not be what the buyer intended to purchase, or they may not receive an item at all because it never existed,” Aranza warned.
“Gift cards are not traceable and cannot be refunded, which is why scammers prefer gift cards as a means of payment.”
When shopping on Facebook Marketplace, make sure you use secure payment methods and check seller ratings.
Where possible, avoid shipping items and instead try to arrange sales in public places – preferably with a friend family member who accompanies you.
That way you can personally verify the item and the seller.
Also make sure you use Facebook Messenger for your communications.
Often scammers try to lure you to other chat apps to get your information.