Before You Start Shopping

Maybe you’re looking for a great deal on a couch, a bike, or a unique holiday gift. When you’re browsing on Marketplace, you’re excited about what you might find. But what if someone is trying to trick you? That’s why understanding the risks matters. With a few smart habits, you can protect yourself while still getting good deals.

The scale of the problem

Fraud experts found that about 34% of ads on Facebook Marketplace could be scams. That means roughly one in three listings may have something suspicious going on. Because the risk is real, it’s worth being careful — even when a deal looks perfect.

Red flags: Signs that something might be off

Here are warning signs that a listing or seller could be risky:

• The price is way lower than usual (“brand new” item for half off).
• They ask you to send money before seeing the item.
• They refuse an in-person meeting or make weird excuses.
• They pressure you: “Pay right now or it’s gone!”
• They ask for personal info like bank details, full name, or home address.
• They push you to use wire transfer, cash app, or other unsafe payment methods.
• Communication happens off the platform (outside Facebook Messenger).
• The item looks exactly like something you want — and you decide fast without checking.

💡Quick Note: Be careful if a seller wants you to pay through apps like Cash App, Venmo, or Zelle before you meet. These payments are almost like handing over cash, and there are no built-in safeguards if the seller disappears. It is much safer to pay only after you see the item in person.

Smart steps to protect yourself

You don’t need to stop using Marketplace. Just follow these steps to be safer:

1. Keep all messages on Facebook Messenger so there’s a record of communication.
2. Don’t pay until you have the item in hand, or at least you’ve met the person and verified it.
3. Arrange to meet in person, in a well-lit public place (like a busy store parking lot) with cameras and other people around.
4. Bring a friend if you can, or at least let someone know where you’re meeting.
5. Pay in cash at the time of pickup if possible, rather than pre-sending money online.
6. Inspect the item before you hand over money. Make sure it matches the description.
7. Never give out personal or financial info to the seller — like bank account numbers or social security details.
8. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away—it’s okay to say “no thanks.”
9. Report suspicious listings to Facebook.

Why it works this way

Scammers thrive because they count on people wanting a good deal. They use urgency, big promises, and “too good to be true” offers to make you act fast — before you’ve thought it through. Avoiding payment until you see the item and meeting in a safe place gives you time and a chance to protect yourself.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you think you might have been scammed:

• Stop any further payments.
• Contact your bank or credit union (like MEMBERS1st) and let them know what happened.
• Report the scam to Facebook.
• File a report with your local police, if you lost a lot of money or personal info.
• Change your passwords if you shared any account info.

Final thoughts

Using Facebook Marketplace can be a great way to find deals and shop locally. The excitement of finding something special is real, but staying alert helps you avoid scams that could cost you money and stress. Remember, if you ever feel unsure about a payment, a message you receive, or a situation that doesn’t seem right, MEMBERS1st is here to help. Our team can guide you on safe banking habits and answer questions about protecting your accounts.

Stay safe, shop smart, and enjoy the hunt with confidence.