Since it’s attached to Facebook, it’s easy to communicate with people in the Messenger app.
However, you could’t be protected if you venture outside of Facebook’s surveillance.
ThisCybersecurity Awareness Weekarticle is brought to you in association withIncogni.
The big benefit of Facebook Marketplace over the alternativesespecially something like Craigslistis the profile photos and names.
You don’t feel like you’re interacting with a completely anonymous person.
If they have a Facebook account, they must be real, right?
That’s not always the case.
“Can We Chat On…?”
Facebook Marketplace is not exempt from scams.
In fact, there arequite a few well-documented scamsthat have gotten people who are trying to buy and sell.
Scammers use many different services and apps for communication.
They may even attempt to message you on Facebook outside of the Marketplace.
Why Do They Do It?
On the surface, this may seem harmless enough.
Not everyone likes Facebook, right?
And using an “old school” communication like text or email may seem secure.
The reason why scammers want to communicate outside of Facebook is to avoid being reported and blocked from Marketplace.
You’re out of luck.
There is absolutely no legitimate reason to take a Facebook Marketplace conversation somewhere else.
The simple thing to do is say “no.”
Actually, you don’t even need to do that.
Again, there is no reason to ever communicate with a Facebook Marketplace buyer or seller outside of Facebook.
Stay safe out there.
