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LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – It wasn’t that long ago that many people were apprehensive to shop online. Now, thanks to Amazon and other online retailers, spending money over the internet is something a lot of people no longer worry about.
In the past two years, shopping on Facebook Marketplace has become one of the biggest online sellers with more than 1 billion active sellers and shoppers.
Sellers on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are more susceptible to serious crimes such as robberies and assaults. When buying things on those online storefronts, the risks are primarily scams.
“Free Shipping” claims
Facebook Marketplace sprinkles in sponsored ads with search results and many offer free shipping. If you’re buying something to be shipped you cannot inspect the item ahead of time to determine whether it’s a fake. Counterfeits are most common in clothing, accessories, and electronics.
Use plastic
The other scam risk for buyers is with the transaction itself. Facebook recommends using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. If you pay for the item with a debit card, the money comes out of your bank account immediately and you probably won’t be able to get your money back using Facebook’s purchase protection. It’s best to use a credit card or PayPal which will refund your money if the item is different than how it was described.
Stay on one platform
Be wary if a seller wants to move the conversation to another platform such as text If they ask you to pay with Venmo,…
