Facebook Marketplace security

This would apply to all online selling such as craigslist and Letgo as well. These sites have provided an easy way to get rid of things you no longer use or need. Of course there is the added benefit of making some extra money which is great.  In most cases all you have to do is take a picture of the item you wish to sell add some basic information about the item then post it. When you sell an item in this manner if you are not able to completely complete the transaction online then you may have to make arrangements to meet to complete the transaction. This is where you want to be careful about your personal safety. You should plan ahead prior to any face to face transaction. 

If you are considering making a purchase through a Facebook Market place, a Letgo or Craigslist you must carefully consider how you want to complete the transaction. In the cases when you have to meet in person you must plan this meeting carefully for your protection. So it should be in a public place to meet to make the exchange of payment and items. You can use many locations like a mall, coffee shop supermarket somewhere that has many people and cameras. I would check with your local law enforcement agency as many have exchange locations in their parking area which are normally well illuminated with CCTV coverage. Should the item be large such as furniture then you may have to travel to seller home or vice versa.  Whenever that transaction takes place make sure you have someone with you for the duration of the transaction.

The Facebook Market place affords you’re the opportunity to do some investigation on the seller. Since you must have a Facebook profile in order to post your items you may be able to check out the seller. A few concerns you want to check would be does the seller live in your area? Do they have many friends or is it a recently opened account? A profile picture is preferred I would be leery of a profile picture of an inanimate object.

The item for sale the payment method and price should be clearly posted in the item description. If the seller is unable to answer your questions to your satisfaction about the item or how the transaction will be arranged then I would not deal with this seller.

I hope this helps as always please leave a comment

Mark Carbajal