Deceptive practices involving the online exchange of goods via the Facebook platform are a growing concern. These fraudulent schemes often involve the misrepresentation of items for sale, non-delivery of purchased goods, or the collection of payment without the intention of fulfilling the transaction. An example includes a user posting a listing for a popular electronic device at a significantly reduced price, only to disappear after receiving payment from an interested buyer.
The proliferation of these practices undermines trust in online marketplaces and negatively impacts legitimate commerce. Understanding the tactics employed by perpetrators is crucial for both buyers and sellers to protect themselves from financial loss and identity theft. Historically, similar schemes have existed across various online platforms; however, the social network’s broad user base and community-oriented structure present unique opportunities for exploitation.
