While Facebook Marketplace provides a convenient way to buy and sell items, users should remain cautious of potential scams. Two prevalent scams that users encounter is the "Can I Call You Scam" and the "I Need Your Phone Number" scam.
In this scam, a potential buyer expresses interest in an item listed on Facebook Marketplace and requests to speak with the seller over the phone. Once the seller agrees and provides their phone number, the scammer may attempt to conduct fraudulent activities, such as phishing for personal information, attempting to access sensitive accounts, or engaging in other deceptive practices. If a buyer insists on calling, consider using a secondary phone number or a communication app that doesn't reveal your personal information. Limit communication to Facebook Messenger or the Marketplace messaging system whenever possible.
To protect yourself from scams on Facebook Marketplace, it's essential to exercise caution and use common sense. Always verify the identity of buyers or sellers, avoid sharing unnecessary personal information, and conduct transactions in secure and public locations whenever possible. By staying vigilant and informed, you can enjoy the benefits of Facebook Marketplace while minimizing the risks of falling victim to scams.
