Finding a barely used couch for half the retail price or a great deal on a secondhand laptop can feel like winning the shopping lottery. That’s part of what makes Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace so appealing. But one wrong move can turn an exciting bargain into an expensive headache.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that Americans lost $2.1 billion to scams that began on social media in 2025. That figure covers several types of fraud, not just online shopping or Facebook Marketplace. Still, it’s a reminder to stay alert.
Before arranging your next pickup or sending money to a seller, watch out for these eight common mistakes.
Paying before you’ve seen the item
That gorgeous dining table looks perfect, and the seller wants a small deposit to hold it. Sounds reasonable, right? Unfortunately, sending money before confirming that an unfamiliar seller actually has the item can be a costly gamble.
In one case reported by AARP, Texas resident Amanda Pelletier said she paid $4,200 for furniture advertised on Facebook Marketplace that never arrived. The seller had previously sold to her daughter, which made the arrangement seem trustworthy.
Source: AARP’s Marketplace scam reporting.
For ordinary local purchases, inspect the merchandise before handing over payment. Craigslist specifically recommends meeting in person rather than paying in advance. If you’re buying something shipped through an established checkout system, independently verify the seller and any applicable purchase protections.
Trusting a seller’s profile without checking the details
A friendly profile picture, glowing reviews, and professional-looking product photographs can make almost any listing appear legitimate. However, appearances alone don’t prove the person actually owns what they’re selling.
The FTC warns that online reviews can be fake or misleading. Scammers can also operate through compromised social media accounts, so even an established profile isn’t automatic proof of reliability.
Ask for fresh photos of the actual item, including its model label and any visible damage. Compare those images with the description and ask questions about its condition. If the seller avoids basic questions or keeps providing vague answers, consider shopping elsewhere.
Assuming every payment app protects your money
Paying through a familiar app might feel secure, but using a trusted payment service doesn’t automatically guarantee a refund when something goes wrong.
For example, PayPal’s Friends and Family payments aren’t covered by its Purchase Protection program. Eligible Goods and Services transactions may qualify, depending on the rules. Zelle also says it doesn’t provide purchase protection when goods never arrive or aren’t as described.
Before transferring money, check the payment service’s rules for your particular purchase. Avoid sellers who insist on gift cards, cryptocurrency, or personal-payment options for ordinary merchandise.
Remember, finding a product on Facebook Marketplace doesn’t automatically make a separate payment eligible for Facebook’s purchase protection.
Related:Homeowners Could See Monthly Payments Jump $1,066 in 2027 as the Next Mortgage Shock Arrives
Meeting sellers in unsafe locations
That bargain bookshelf might be worth a short drive, but meeting a stranger in a secluded parking lot late at night is an unnecessary risk.
Several American cities offer designated exchange locations for online transactions. For example, the Boston Police Department identifies monitored exchange areas at police facilities.
Choose a well-lit public location, preferably during daylight hours. Bring another adult when possible and tell someone where you’re going.
Large furniture and appliances may require pickup at home. In those situations, arrange a daytime visit, bring help, and keep a clear plan for leaving. Even a public meeting doesn’t guarantee a safe transaction, so don’t ignore changes in the arrangement that make you uncomfortable.
Related: Single Mothers Reveal the 8 Marriage Mistakes They Wish They Had Avoided
Skipping the inspection before paying
A used laptop might turn on beautifully but refuse to charge. A dresser might photograph perfectly while hiding a broken drawer. Those little surprises can make a supposedly amazing deal feel much less exciting.
Before buying electronics, test the screen, charging, connections, and other important functions. For furniture, examine joints, drawers, hardware, and visible damage. With appliances, ask for a proper demonstration instead of assuming that a glowing power light means everything works.
Safety matters, too. Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall database before purchasing used products. If you’re buying an iPhone, Apple advises making sure the device has been erased and disconnected from the previous owner’s account.
Falling for the pressure of a limited-time bargain
“This price is only good for the next 20 minutes!”
Messages like that can make an ordinary listing feel like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But rushing into a purchase often means overlooking important details.
The FTC identifies pressure to act immediately as a common scam tactic. Facebook Marketplace’s safety guidance also warns shoppers about unusually cheap listings and rushed decisions.
Of course, some sellers genuinely want to clear out their garages quickly. The problem arises when urgency comes with demands for advance payment or refusal to allow inspection.
Compare prices, ask reasonable questions, and stick to your payment precautions. Missing one bargain is much better than losing your money.
Moving conversations off the platform too quickly
You find something interesting, message the seller, and immediately receive a request to continue through an unfamiliar website. Suddenly, you’re being asked to provide a phone number, banking information, or verification code.
That’s a major warning sign.
Meta cautions against suspicious links and early requests to move conversations away from Marketplace. Craigslist similarly recommends using its email relay during initial discussions and warns against requests for verification codes.
Keep your early conversations within Messenger or Craigslist’s relay system. Never share one-time security codes, passwords, or banking credentials with a stranger.
Legitimate checkout arrangements may sometimes involve official partner websites. The key is to verify the destination independently rather than trusting an unfamiliar link in a message.
Forgetting to research the real value and ownership
A seller says a television originally cost $1,500 and is now available for $450. Sounds fantastic! But what if it’s an outdated model with missing accessories and expensive repairs?
Original retail prices don’t automatically tell you what secondhand merchandise is worth today.
Compare similar items by model, age, condition, and included accessories. Look at completed sales where available, not just what other sellers are asking. Include transportation and potential repair costs in your budget.
For bigger purchases, especially vehicles, take additional precautions. The Department of Justice’s used-car buying guidance recommends obtaining a vehicle-history report and an independent inspection. Also verify title details and any applicable state requirements.
A good deal should still make sense after you’ve checked the details.
Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace can be great places to save money, but smart bargain hunters know when to ask another question, double-check a detail, or walk away.
Other Posts You May Like
- Common Household Items You Can Finally Say Goodbye To
- Online Dating Mistakes Women Should Avoid and Smart Ways to Find Better Matches
