The Internet always seems perfect for online buying and selling. Search thousands of vendors to find exactly what you want and make the transaction in seconds. Yet the vast global online marketplace is also an opportunity for cyberthievery.
Joe Davies, an online search expert at FATJOE says “the convenience of digital marketplaces comes with its share of risks, with scammers looking for unsuspecting victims to swindle out of their hard-earned cash.”
Davies recommends the following tips to protect yourself:
Check Their Facebook Profile. “One of the initial steps to ensure a secure transaction on Facebook Marketplace is to scrutinize the seller’s profile. This might sound like a minor detail, but scammers often create fake profiles to carry out their fraudulent activities. For example, if it was only recently created you know it may have been set up under false pretenses and could be a red flag. Legitimate sellers usually have profiles that have been active for a considerable amount of time, featuring genuine interactions and connections, as well as imagery and all of the usual things you’d find on an active profile,” Davies says.
Never Pay in Advance. “Scammers commonly employ tactics that involve convincing buyers to pay for items in advance, only to disappear with the money. Just as you would in any other brick and mortar store, you pay for the items once they have been received –– so never pay for an item before receiving it.”
Use a Secure Payment Method. “Choosing to part with your money for the perfect item is an easy choice, however, the right payment method can make a significant difference in safeguarding against potential scams. It’s always advised to use a reputable and secure payment method, such as trusted platforms. Using unconventional or untraceable payment methods is a recipe for disaster, as they can leave users vulnerable to scams.”
Do a Triple Check. “Sometimes it’s easy for buyers to become disillusioned during the buying process and it may leave them vulnerable to potential scams. Triple-checking the listing to make sure you’re getting exactly what you’re asking for is paramount to securing your deal. Checking the imagery against the description of the item for sale allows you to cross reference the legitimacy, any damage and things to look out for. If it sounds too good to be true, it often is and can leave you disappointed and out of pocket.”
I would suggest doing an online search of the platform you’re using. If there are problems with transactions or scams, others will post their experience. Also check out the Better Business Bureau.
