A Rolex seller meets up with a Facebook Marketplace thief. It goes all wrong from there.

A man who tried to sell his Rolex watch on Facebook Marketplace ended up being robbed at gunpoint by the buyer.

Read the wild details of how the deal went wrong and what you can do to avoid such scams.

BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE:

• [VIDEO] AN JUMPS ONTO MOVING CAR ON LONG ISLAND TO STOP THIEF FROM TAKING ROLEX

How to Avoid Being a Victim of Facebook Marketplace Theft

Facebook Marketplace is a popular platform for buying and selling goods online. You can find anything from furniture and clothing to cars and electronics. But while it offers convenience and variety, it also comes with some risks. One of them is theft.

As you just read, recently, a man from Long Island was robbed of his Rolex watch by a buyer he met through Facebook Marketplace. The thief pretended to be interested in the watch, but when he got close enough, he snatched it and ran to his car.

The seller chased him and jumped on the hood of the car, trying to stop him from escaping. The thief drove off with the seller still on the hood, until he crashed into another car and fled on foot. The seller suffered minor injuries and the watch was recovered by the police.

This incident is not an isolated case. According to a report by the Better Business Bureau, online purchase scams accounted for 13% of all scams reported in 2020, and Facebook was the most common platform for these scams. The report also found that 57% of the victims lost money, with a median loss of $160.

So how can you protect yourself from becoming a victim of Facebook Marketplace theft? Here are some tips and advice from experts and authorities:

1. Meet in a safe and public place

One of the most important steps to prevent theft is to choose a safe and public place to meet the buyer or seller. Avoid giving out your home address or going to unfamiliar locations. Consider a police station, a bank, a mall, or a busy street. Some police stations even have designated parking spots where marketplace meet-ups are watched by security cameras.

“Meet in a public, well-lit area, – and never give away your home address!”

2. Use a secure payment method

Another way to avoid theft is to use a secure payment method that offers protection and verification. Cash is not a good option, as it can be easily stolen or counterfeited. Facebook Marketplace recommends a secure person-to-person payment method, such as PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App.

However, be aware that not all P2P apps are the same, and some may not reimburse you if you send money to the wrong person or get scammed¹. Always check the app’s policies and settings before using it.

“Reputable Marketplace traders will welcome the use of secure services; which benefits legit buyers and sellers alike.”

3. Verify the identity and reputation of the buyer or seller

Before you agree to meet or make a transaction, do some research on the buyer or seller. Check their profile, ratings, reviews, and history on Facebook Marketplace. Look for any red flags, such as fake photos, incomplete information, negative feedback, or low activity.

You can also search their name, phone number, or email address on Google or other websites to see if they have any complaints or reports against them. If possible, ask for a photo ID or a proof of purchase when you meet them.

“Check yourself before you wreck yourself.”

4. Be cautious and vigilant

Finally, use your common sense and intuition when dealing with strangers online. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. If someone is pressuring you to act quickly, pay upfront, or share personal information, they may be trying to scam you. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any point, walk away or call for help. Don’t let your guard down or compromise your safety for a deal.

“Safety doesn’t happen by accident.”

Conclusion

Facebook Marketplace can be a great way to buy and sell goods online, but it also comes with some risks. Theft is one of them, and it can happen to anyone. To avoid being a victim of Facebook Marketplace theft, follow these tips and advice:

• Meet in a safe and public place
• Use a secure payment method
• Verify the identity and reputation of the buyer or seller
• Be cautious and vigilant

By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of Facebook Marketplace without losing your money or your belongings. Remember, safety first!