A Spring Branch resident named Amanda Pelletier claims to have paid in full for home furnishings on Facebook Marketplace but has not received anything even after four months. Pelletier decided to make the purchase based on her daughter’s positive experience with the seller. However, her own experience turned out to be the opposite, with the seller consistently providing excuses and failing to deliver the items. Pelletier’s total payment amounted to $4,000, and she is considering legal action. Cybersecurity experts have noted a significant increase in searches for “Facebook Marketplace scam,” indicating a rise in fraudulent activities. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) in San Antonio advises caution when using Facebook Marketplace, suggesting measures such as verifying the seller’s profile, staying within the Facebook platform for communication, conducting online searches for potential scams, and being wary of deals that appear too good to be true. The BBB also recommends documenting all transactions and communications and promptly reporting any fraudulent activity to Facebook and the BBB. While Facebook offers purchase protection for many transactions, purchases made through third-party sites, local pickups, or messaging services may not be covered. Despite her negative experience, Pelletier still sees the potential value in using Facebook Marketplace but intends to adopt a more cautious approach in the future.
Please stay stafe if you are purchasing from Facebook Marketplace. We at The Ali Law Group are here to help.
References:
Neaves, A. A. (2023, June 29). Searches for “facebook marketplace scams” up nearly 270%. kens5.com. https://www.kens5.com/article/money/consumer/searches-for-facebook-marketplace-scams-up/273-c1ba624e-b160-4c25-9d69-0be004721ee0