Facebook Marketplace Asking For Phone Number [Beware]

Facebook Marketplace has become a popular platform for buying and selling a wide range of goods and services in the digital era.

Facebook Marketplace Scams: Did you just receive a message from a potential looking buyer saying that he/she is very interested in your listed item/product? But in order to continue, he/she needs to first verify you as if you are a real seller having a real product listing.

Beware: It’s a scam, and don’t provide your phone number or any code that you receive on your phone to the scammer.

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is it safe to provide phone number on facebook marketplace?

It’s not safe to give your phone number on Facebook Marketplace. It’s a new way to scam people online. The Federal Trade Commission has warned of a verification scam targeting people who sell items on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.

The FTC calls it the Google Voice scam and says it can lead to someone using your phone number to conceal their identity and rip off other people.

how facebook marketplace scam asking for phone verification work?

This phone verification scam process works like this. The scammer sends you a message saying that they are interested in buying the item/product that you listed.

They might ask for your phone number or give you theirs and ask you to text them.

Then they’ll say that they’re hesitant to proceed because they’ve heard about fake online product listings. So they want to verify if you are a real person.

And in order to confirm your listing is legitimate, they’ll send you a six-digit Google Voice verification code.

“If your post is real, send me the code, then I’ll call,” one scammer texted.

how scammer benefits if you give your phone number

What’s really happening is that the scammer is setting up a Google Voice number linked to your phone number.

If you send the verification code, the scammer will be able to complete the account setup. Then, the scammer can then use that phone number to conceal their identity.

Or, if a scammer gets your Google Voice verification code and other information about you, they can pretend to be you and open new accounts in your name.

Caleb Barlow, a cyber-security consultant in Newburyport added:

“The [scammer is] now going to use that voice account to either make robocalls or purport a fraud to someone else, maybe a phishing scheme. What’s so unique about this is that you’re just one link in the chain of building this overall fraud.”

how to avoid scammers on facebook marketplace

Don’t share your personal phone number on Facebook Marketplace with anyone. Keep your personal information private especially if you don’t know the person.

Avoid sparkling offers or people that offer you deals that sound too good to be true. Never deal with them or perform any transaction with them.

In order to make sure that you have a safer online experience, many online marketplaces encourage you to NOT DEAL OUTSIDE the platform. If someone asks you to perform a deal outside, it will be a red flag.

Understand the marketplace policies and stick to the rules. Understand how the marketplaces work and always check for the authenticity of the buyer or seller that you are dealing with.

How do I know if my Facebook marketplace buyer is legit?

To determine if your Facebook Marketplace buyer is legitimate, consider the following tips:

Profile Verification:

Check buyer’s profile: Legitimate buyers usually have a complete profile with a profile picture, an image banner, and previous marketplace listings.
Be wary of brand new profiles or those that lack a profile photo, as these characteristics may indicate a lack of credibility.

Communication and Behavior:

Use official channels: Always communicate through Facebook Messenger. Legitimate buyers will be comfortable connecting with you on the platform.
Pay attention to their messages: Scammers may use general or suspicious language. Legitimate buyers will ask relevant questions about the item.

Transaction Details:

In-person meetings: Legitimate buyers will insist on meeting you in person to inspect the item before paying for it.
Avoid shipping requests: Shipping insurance scams can occur. Be cautious if a buyer asks you to pay for shipping insurance, especially since shipping doesn’t exist on Facebook Marketplace.

Payment Methods:

Use official payment methods: Always use Facebook Pay or other official payment methods when making transactions. Legitimate buyers will prefer secure payment options.

Remember that scammers often follow patterns, so being aware of common tricks can help you spot fake buyers early and protect yourself while selling on Facebook Marketplace. Trust your instincts and prioritize safety! 🛒🔍

READS ALSO: [Fix] Facebook Marketplace Messages Not Showing on Messenger 2023

FAQ’S

They trick you to show they are interested and want your phone number in order to gather and use your personal information for harmful purposes like pretending to be you and scamming others.

You really don’t need to give someone your phone number on the Facebook marketplace. You can use messenger and conversate with the buyer/seller in order to complete the deal.

Scammers look for people selling items online and message them as if they are interested buyers. Then they ask about a Google Voice verification code sent to the seller. They ask the seller to share the code in order to verify that they are a real seller. But they are going to use that code to verify their Google Voice account in order to scam other people.

If you have unknowingly sent a verification code to the scammer and he has set up a Google voice number on your behalf, you can reclaim your number by following this process.

Don’t share your phone number
Scammers can commit fraud if you provide them with your phone number. A simple Google search often reveals your phone name and physical address.

CONCLUSION:

Now that you know, hopefully, you will be safe and have a better experience using Facebook and other marketplaces online. You can read more about this scam on Federal Commission blog.