Social media and online marketplaces are increasingly being used by fraudsters to trick people into sending money for items, services, or rental deposits that are fake, misleading, or never delivered.

When purchasing through peer‑to‑peer platforms such as Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji, buyers must understand that there is no built‑in guarantee. These platforms place the responsibility on the buyer to confirm that a seller and their items are legitimate. Purchasing or sending money online always carries risk regarding the quality, authenticity, or existence of a product or service.

These transactions should be treated as buyer‑beware / seller‑beware situation

✅ Tips to Protect Yourself from Online Marketplace Fraud

1️⃣ Choose the Right Marketplace

  • Use platforms with buyer protection whenever possible. Established sites like eBay and Amazon Marketplace offer formal protection programs if items don’t arrive or are not as described.

  • Keep transactions local on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji. These sites are intended for in‑person exchanges, and shipping items often comes with little to no protection.

2️⃣ Verify the Seller and the Item

  • Check the seller’s profile for a history of sales, clear information, and positive reviews. Be cautious of new or incomplete accounts.

  • Ask for proof: Request additional photos or a short video of the actual item to confirm that it exists and matches the description.

3️⃣ Use Secure Payment Methods

  • Credit cards are safest. They typically offer fraud protection and charge‑back options if something goes wrong.

  • PayPal “Goods & Services” only when paying remotely. This offers purchase protection.
    ❌ Never use PayPal “Friends & Family” for purchases, it offers no protection.

  • Avoid non‑refundable or untraceable payments, including:

    • Wire transfers (e.g., Western Union)

    • Gift cards

    • E‑transfers

    • Cryptocurrency
      Once sent, these funds are extremely difficult or impossible to recover.

4️⃣ Stay Safe During In‑person Transactions

  • Meet in public, well‑lit, busy locations such as coffee shops or shopping centres.

  • Bring a friend and let someone know where you’re going and who you’re meeting.

  • Inspect the item thoroughly before paying and ensure it works as advertised.

🚩 If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.


Trust your instincts, slow down, and don’t let pressure or urgency push you into making a risky decision.

Stay informed. Stay cautious. Stay safe.

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