In recent years, online shopping has become trendy. Most people prefer buying things online because of the convenience. Some also believe buying something online is cheaper than in physical shops. As a result, there has been a rise in the number of platforms where sellers and buyers can meet.
Among the popular places is Facebook. The Meta-owned platform has a section called “Facebook Marketplace,” where you can search for whatever you want to buy. The best thing is that you can filter your search based on your location and budget.
But when discussing online shopping, we can’t forget to mention “Online theft and scams.” The Facebook marketplace has become a place where some scammers find solace.
So, as a Kenyan Facebook user, what is the best way to avoid marketplace scams? Read on to find out.
Why Facebook Marketplace Scams Are Becoming Rampant
Facebook has a large user base, making it attractive to scammers. Additionally, some people don’t know how to verify whether the sellers are genuine.
Scammers have mastered ways of appearing legitimate in the eyes of innocent Kenyans. As such, the platform keeps becoming home to scammers and unknowing Kenyans fall for their scams frequently.
When are You Likely to Get Scammed on Facebook
While it’s possible to get scammed anytime, most Facebook scammers target peak hours when people need particular items.
For example, most Kenyan parents will likely get scammed during their back-to-school periods. That’s because they need to buy their children’s school items, and Facebook Marketplace might be the best place to find them cheaply.
Scammers can also take advantage of a limited supply of some items. For instance, most people were looking for sanitizers and masks during the pandemic. Sometimes, there would be a limited supply, thus creating an opportunity for scammers to pretend they are selling them online.
How to Stay Safe From Facebook Scams in Kenya
Detect Facebook marketplace scams
Scammers keep using new tactics and changing them quite often. So how can you stay safe from them?
- Avoid items whose pieces are too low compared to their market value, even if they are second-hand. It could be a way of trapping you so you can lose your hard-earned money.
- Be wary of sellers who post with very new profiles. They may be using pseudo-accounts to hide their identity.
- Avoid paying for items you have not seen physically. The scammers are only after your money; paying them before seeing the item would make you a victim.
- Choose secure payment methods. For instance, you can use escrow until the seller delivers the product.
- Report any suspicious activity. It will help you and others stay alert and avoid falling for scams.
These are just some of the things to do. You need to be keen when buying things online via the Facebook marketplace. So, stay vigilant always to avoid becoming a victim.
