Is it safe to buy shipped items from facebook marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a great way to sell or buy previously loved goods. However, you need to protect yourself during this process.

From avoiding scams to general rules of thumb, here are a few things you can do to ensure your safety while conducting transactions through Facebook Marketplace...

1. Buy and Sell Locally

When you open Facebook Marketplace, it automatically shows you items that are available within 60 kilometers of your location. When you buy and sell on the platform, it's wise to conduct your transactions in areas that you are familiar with.

While you can search for items within 100 miles of you, mail orders with strangers are a little risky. There is always a chance that the buyer will cancel payment while the item is being shipped.

If you are the buyer, there is always the chance of the item not looking or working the way that it was advertised on Marketplace. Meeting in person ensures that you can look at the item you are buying to make sure it is what you want.

If you are the seller, you will (hopefully) leave with the money in your hand. This makes for a satisfactory transaction for everyone.

2. Check the Seller or Buyer's Facebook Profile

This is an important step. Some scammers will make throwaway or fake profiles so they can take advantage of you. Some attempt to conduct an online exchange without meeting in person so that they can get you to send the money and then not ship the item.

Meanwhile, a buyer with a throwaway profile could "buy" your item and while it's shipping, cancel the bank transaction, delete their profile, and leave you high-and-dry.

To check a seller's profile on Facebook Marketplace:

1. Click on the post of the item you want to buy
2. Under Seller Information click the sellers' name.
3. Select View Profile to look at their profile.

If the buyer or seller you're dealing with has an established profile with lots of friends, this means that they probably didn't make a "burner" profile for selling or buying items. It will also be comforting if the buyer or seller has mutual friends in common with you.

3. Discuss the Details of the Transaction Before Meeting

When you are meeting someone to buy or sell an item, make sure you have all the details ironed out. Things like: where you're meeting, what time, and how to contact the person just in case you are running late. Doing this will put your mind at ease.

You might want to also check if they're open to negotiating the price before you meet up, rather than trying to haggle with them once the meeting is already underway. Some people react very negatively to buyers trying to bargain with them and it's better to avoid this type of confrontation in person.

We also suggest checking their profile for a picture of them so that you know what they look like and can spot them in a crowd.

4. Arrange an Instant Payment

When you're buying or selling an item on Facebook Marketplace, cash or an e-transfer at the time of the exchange are the best options to use.

If you pay for an item via e-transfer before picking it up, you run the risk of the person being a no-show and not receiving your item. If you give the item to the person and they say they will send the money electronically later, they may not follow through.

You can either use cash or complete an e-transfer at the time of the meeting. Make sure you only walk away once the payment is complete.

Meeting the person in public and conducting the sale on-the-spot ensures a smooth and equal transaction for everyone involved.

5. Consider Bringing a Friend With You

When you're meeting someone to buy or sell an item, especially if it's a bigger ticket item, we would suggest bringing a friend or a family member with you.

Bringing a friend with you to buy or sell on Facebook Marketplace has a few benefits. If the item you are selling or buying is cumbersome or large, you will have help carrying it. This will reduce your chances of injury.

If you are carrying a large amount of cash for buying, or an expensive item, having a friend there will lower the risk of anything nefarious happening during the transaction. Not only will having a friend there help keep you safe, but they will also be a witness for you if something does go awry during the exchange.

6. Meet in a Public Place

Whenever you are conducting any transaction that involves an in-person meeting with someone you met online, you should always meet in a well-lit, preferably busy area during the day. Your police department may allow you to meet there if you call first. If that's not possible, suggest a coffee shop, mall, or busy parking lot.

We do not recommend meeting the buyer or seller at their home or allowing them to come to yours. While someone may seem nice online, it is important to always exercise caution and protect yourself. This will greatly reduce your chances of being robbed.

If you are concerned about your personal safety, sometimes a device can help foster confidence. This list of the best personal safety devices can give you some ideas for protective devices.

7. Trust Your Instincts

When you are conducting business on Facebook Marketplace, always remember that this person is a stranger to you. Even if you have mutual friends, you do not know this person and should avoid sending money or items to them.

If you are selling or buying an item from someone and something doesn't feel right, do not meet with them. Cancel the meeting and find another buyer or seller. Above all, you should trust your instincts because if something doesn't feel right, you're probably feeling this way for a reason.

8. Don't Divulge Personal Information

This is a one-time transaction, you do not owe the buyer or seller any answers to personal questions they may ask. Questions like whether you have a spouse, your working hours or place of employment, and where you live are inappropriate in most cases.

If someone is asking you these types of questions, protect yourself and refuse to answer them. It is probably just curiosity---but in some cases, criminals will go as far as conducting a valid transaction to gain access to your home or personal information.

Stay Safe While Using Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a great way to buy and sell previously loved items. Using these tips will ensure that you can buy and sell your items online with confidence.

If you put your personal safety first, conducting the transaction will be a smooth and worthwhile process for both parties.