TECH BYTE: Don’t Get Scammed on Resale Sites

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A lot of people take advantage of resale sites like Facebook Marketplace to sell some of their items.

But there’s always risk of getting ripped off.

Cybersecurity experts with VPNOverview.com have some tips to keep that from happening.

Sadly, plenty of fake accounts plague Facebook, including Marketplace.

To make sure your seller is a real person not trying to rip you off, check how active they are on their account.

VPNOverview says it’s definitely a red flag if they recently created a profile.

It’s also suspicious if the seller has a strange bio, only a few friends, and no reviews.

If the item or price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Experts advise to be on the lookout for counterfeit items. A photo could be catfished.

Popular items include fake watches, perfume, makeup, clothing, and jewelry.

VPNOverview also recommends that you don’t use gift cards to pay for an item.

A seller on Marketplace can ask to be paid through a different method like a gift card, but once they get that payment, they can block you, and never post the item you bought.

Gift cards can’t always be traced, so you’re less likely to get your money back if you get scammed. Always use the most trusted payment method.

And if you’re buying a more expensive item on Marketplace, like a car, don’t pay a large amount of money upfront.

If the seller asks for a deposit to hold the car for you, VPNOverview says to always check that it’s reasonable for the product’s price.

After you pay a deposit, a scammer can always delete their account, or give a fake address to meet up and get the car.

And if you’re a seller, it’s wise not to trust screenshots from buyers.

Cybersecurity experts say scammers can make fake payment receipts or confirmations showing they paid more than the initial price listed.

Don’t send an overpaid payment until you’ve seen the money in your bank account.

If you’re careful, but still happen to get scammed on Facebook Marketplace, VPNOverview says to contact your bank, and block your account.

Make sure your device hasn’t been infected with malware from the scam, and report the buyer or seller who scammed you.

You can also take advantage of Purchase Protection on Marketplace.

It withholds payments to the seller for several days, or until the buyer says they’ve received the item.

If there’s an issue, you can always request a refund.