How do I sell safely on Facebook Marketplace?
Hand over the item only when you have cash in hand or money cleared in your banking app, and meet in a safe public place. Most seller scams rely on a fake proof of payment, a courier who collects before payment, or an overpayment you are asked to refund.
Sellers are targeted as much as buyers. The buyer who does not haggle, does not ask questions and wants to pay "right now" by EFT is often the one to worry about. Real buyers are fussy.
Rules that keep you safe
- Cash on collection, or an EFT you can see cleared in your own app before the item leaves your hands.
- Ignore payment SMSes, emails and screenshots; look in the app.
- Never pay a courier, a fee or a refund on behalf of a buyer.
- Meet in a busy public place, with someone else if the item is valuable.
- Keep the chat on the platform so there is a record if something goes wrong.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it safe to let buyers come to my home?
- Safer not to, especially for phones, laptops and jewellery. If you must, have someone with you and do not show other valuables.
Want to know if there are warning signs about the person you're chatting to? Veritaza checks the photos, the messages, the number, the email address, the name and the ID document, for R99.
Check a person