According to recent statistics, Facebook Marketplace is used by over 800 million people worldwide.
This makes Facebook one of the largest platforms for selling and buying items, and since their Marketplace feature operates under their social media platform, it makes it really convenient for us all.
But scammers are everywhere, even on Facebook. So, what if you want to report a scammer on Facebook Marketplace? What do you do?
This step-by-step guide shows you how to report Facebook Marketplace scammer (seller, buyer, and listing).
Quick Tech Answer
To report a Facebook Marketplace scammer, navigate to the listing or conversation, click on the report button, select the appropriate category (scam), and follow the on-screen instructions. When Facebook asks you for more details, use our Facebook Marketplace Scam Report Template Examples to provide them with more info. Read further to learn more.
Tech Shortcut
I Got Scammed on Facebook Marketplace: What Do I Do?
Getting scammed online is not something new – it has happened since the beginning of the Internet Era.
Sadly, this is a problem we must deal with, so what do we do? The first option is to report the scammer to the Facebook Support Team. The second option consists of reporting the scammer to local authorities, but more on that later.
How Does Reporting a Scammer on Facebook Marketplace Work?
Facebook has their own set of rules for reporting scammers on Facebook Marketplace.
Before you head over to the report part of Facebook Marketplace, let’s take a look at the most relevant rules on Facebook Marketplace Scammer Report.
1. All Users Can Report Facebook Marketplace Scams
Facebook Marketplace provides a reporting feature that allows all users to report scams encountered on the platform. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, if you come across a suspicious listing, encounter fraudulent activity, or believe someone is attempting to scam you, you have the option to report it to Facebook.
The reporting process is usually straightforward and involves selecting the appropriate reason for the report, providing details about the scam, and submitting the report for review.
2. You Can Legally Sue Facebook Marketplace Scammers
If you have fallen victim to a scam on Facebook Marketplace, you may have legal options to pursue against the scammer. While the specific legal recourse and the success of a lawsuit depend on various factors, such as the jurisdiction you reside in and the laws governing consumer protection, it is possible to take legal action against scammers.
It is advisable to consult with legal professionals experienced in consumer protection laws as we do not provide legal advice on Mobile Wireless Trends.
3. It’s Possible to Report Facebook Marketplace Scammers Even if They Blocked You
If you have been blocked by a potential scammer on Facebook Marketplace, it does not prevent you from reporting their fraudulent activities. Facebook allows users to report suspicious profiles, listings, or interactions, even if they have been blocked by the other party involved.
In this case, you can ask a friend to report the scammer, or you can do it yourself by submitting a report to Facebook. Learn more about reporting on Facebook if you have been blocked on the Facebook Website.
How to Report Facebook Marketplace Scammer [Templates & Examples]
There are three different ways to report a Facebook Marketplace Scammer: reporting a buyer scam, a seller scam, or a listing scam.
Facebook has built-in features to report scammers of all kinds, but the steps will be slightly different. Keep on reading to learn how to report Facebook Marketplace Scammer.
1. How to Report a Buyer Scam on Facebook Marketplace
Firstly, we are going to report a buyer scam on Facebook Marketplace. A buyer scam takes place when a person who wants to buy something from you wants to scam you, or they have already scammed you.
To report a buyer scam on Facebook Marketplace, do this:
- Access Marketplace: From your Facebook Feed, click on “Marketplace” in the left menu to enter the Facebook Marketplace section.
- Find the Buyer’s Message: Navigate to “Your Account” and then “Your listings” within the Marketplace section. Select a listing that the buyer has purchased to open the conversation thread between you and the buyer.
- Report the Buyer: In the conversation thread, look for the options menu represented by three dots or an ellipsis. Click on it to reveal a dropdown menu of actions. Choose the “Report Buyer” option. Specify the reason for the report as “Scam” and follow the on-screen instructions to submit your report, providing any necessary details or evidence.
Facebook will ask you for further details about your case. Use the following Facebook Buyer Scam Report Template to support your report:
“Dear Facebook Marketplace Support Team,
I’m writing to report a buyer scam that I encountered on Facebook Marketplace.
Here are the details of the scam:
- Name of the Buyer: [Insert buyer’s name]
- Listing in question: [Provide a brief description of the listing]
- Date of the interaction: [Specify the date of the incident]
I would like to report the buyer for engaging in fraudulent activities, which include [describe the scam in detail]. This behavior raises concerns about the integrity of transactions on Facebook Marketplace and may impact other users as well.
I am willing to provide any additional information or evidence that may be helpful in your investigation.
Looking forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]”
2. How to Report a Seller Scam on Facebook Marketplace
A seller scam on Facebook happens when a seller wants to scam you, or you have been scammed by a Facebook Marketplace seller. To report a seller on Facebook Marketplace, do this:
- Open Marketplace: From your Facebook Feed, click on “Marketplace” and move on to the next step.
- Find the Seller’s Listing: In the left menu of the Marketplace section, click on “Buying” to view your purchase history and interactions. Locate the listing associated with the seller you want to report as a scam.
- Report the Seller: Click on the name of the seller to open their profile. Look for the options menu represented by three dots or an ellipsis and click on it. From the dropdown menu, select “Report Seller.” Specify the reason for the report as “Scam” and follow the on-screen instructions to submit your report.
Then, when Facebook comes back to you, use the following Facebook Marketplace Seller Scam Report Template:
“Dear Facebook Marketplace Support Team,
I’m contacting you to report a seller scam that I encountered on Facebook Marketplace. I believe it is crucial to bring this matter to your attention to ensure the safety and reliability of the platform.
- Name of the Seller: [Insert seller’s name]
- Listing in question: [Provide a brief description of the listing]
- Date of the interaction: [Specify the date of the incident]
I would like to report the seller for engaging in fraudulent activities, which include [describe the scam in detail]. Such behavior raises concerns about the integrity of transactions on Facebook Marketplace and may negatively impact other users as well.
Looking forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]”
3. How to Report a Facebook Marketplace Listing Scam
Finally, a Marketplace Listing Scam happens when you notice a fraudulent item listing posted on Facebook Marketplace. To report a Facebook Marketplace Listing Scam, do this:
- Access Marketplace: From your Facebook Feed, click on “Marketplace” to browse through the different listings.
- Select the Listing: Browse through the Marketplace listings and click on the specific listing that you want to report as a scam.
- Report the Listing: Below the listing title, you will find an options menu represented by three dots or an ellipsis. Click on it and select “Report Listing.” Choose the reason for the report as “Scam.”
At first, Facebook will not ask you for any info, but then they will come back to you to ask you for more context. When they do that, use the following Facebook Marketplace Listing Scam Report Template:
“Dear Facebook Marketplace Support Team,
I am writing to report a potential listing scam that I have come across on Facebook Marketplace.
Here are the details of the suspicious listing:
- Seller’s Name: [Insert seller’s name]
- Description of the Listing: [Provide a brief description of the listing]
- Date of Encounter: [Specify the date of the incident]
I suspect that this listing may be involved in fraudulent activities, as it raises concerns about its authenticity and reliability. [Describe the reasons or red flags that indicate a possible scam in detail.]
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]”
How Many Reports to Delete Facebook Marketplace Scammer?
Just one report can be enough to delete or ban a Facebook Marketplace scammer, but it depends on the nature of the incident.
However, if the scammer receives multiple reports from other people, then Facebook will take less time to delete or ban their account.
What Happens After Reporting a Facebook Marketplace Scammer?
For starters, keep in mind that Facebook can take between 5 and 10 days to review your scam report. Afterward, the following things will happen:
- Facebook will review your report: Once you report a Facebook Marketplace scammer, Facebook’s team will carefully review the information you provided. They will assess the reported activity against their community standards and policies to determine the appropriate course of action.
- Buyers who file fraudulent claims are also subject to consequences: Facebook takes fraudulent claims seriously and understands the importance of maintaining a fair and trustworthy marketplace. If a buyer is found to have filed a false claim or engaged in fraudulent activities, they may face consequences, including account suspension or termination.
- Facebook might ask you for more context: In some cases, Facebook may require additional information or context to better understand the situation and make an informed decision. They may reach out to you for clarification or any supporting evidence you can provide to strengthen your report. It is important to respond promptly and provide the requested information to assist with their investigation.
Tech Recap: Reporting a Scammer on Facebook Marketplace
Reporting a scammer on Facebook Marketplace is a bummer – no one wants to do it, but sometimes it is necessary.
The best way to deal with Facebook Marketplace scammers is by taking preventative measures to prevent unfortunate scenarios from happening in the future.
With this Mobile Wireless Trends guide, you now have all the tools required to report Facebook Marketplace scammers by yourself. Check out our How to Fix Facebook Search Ban guide to become a master of the Facebook platform.
FAQ
Can You Call the Police on a Facebook Marketplace Scammer?
Yes, you can contact the police if you have been a victim of a scam on Facebook Marketplace. Scammers who engage in fraudulent activities may be committing a crime, and involving law enforcement can help investigate the matter further. It is advisable to gather all relevant evidence and documentation related to the scam before contacting the police to provide them with the necessary information.
Can I Get My Money Back if Scammed on Facebook Marketplace?
You can only get your money back if scammed on Facebook Marketplace if the operation had Purchase Protection by Facebook.