Avoiding Facebook Marketplace Scams

Facebook Marketplace is a popular way to buy and sell locally in Ontario — but it is also used by scammers. These simple rules protect you from the most common fraud:

Rules for selling

• Meet in a public place — a coffee shop parking lot, a police station lobby, or a busy shopping mall. Never invite strangers to your home.
• Accept cash or PayPal only for small transactions. Never accept e-transfer before the buyer has the item in their hands — fake e-transfer notifications are one of the most common Marketplace scams.
• Never ship an item before payment is confirmed in your actual bank account — not just in an email notification.

Rules for buying

• If the price is dramatically below market value, it is likely a scam or stolen goods. Research what similar items sell for before buying.
• Never send money in advance for an item you have not seen — even if the seller has good reviews. The item may not exist.