This holiday season, online shopping in the U.S. is projected to exceed $250 billion. Meta is taking steps to remind users of tips and safety measures to protect their accounts and online transactions. Meta encourages users to shop safely on Facebook Marketplace:
— Verify the seller’s profile before making a purchase. On a profile, you can see mutual friends, review the seller’s Marketplace activity, view other listings, and check any ratings the seller may have received.
— Be aware of online shopping scams. Scams take many forms, so it’s essential to know what they are and how to recognize them when buying and selling on Marketplace. If you suspect a scam, stop communicating with the buyer or seller and report it to Facebook.
— Use checkout on Facebook Marketplace. Instead of messaging the seller to arrange a transaction, you can purchase an item directly by tapping “Buy now” on the Marketplace listing. Meta’s Purchase Protection Policies cover many purchases made through Facebook’s checkout.
— Protect your personal information. Do not share your financial information or unnecessary personal details with buyers or sellers. Avoid responding to messages or emails that request verification codes or account information, such as your email address and password. Facebook will never ask you for your password.
— Report any suspicious activity. If you have concerns, you can report a seller on Facebook Marketplace who does not adhere to Meta’s Commerce Policies or Community Standards.
These steps are particularly important in Florida, which ranks No. 1 in the country for fraud and identity theft reports. In 2024 alone, Floridians lost over $866 million to fraud across more than 470,000 cases. Nationwide, nearly 9 out of 10 U.S. adults have experienced at least one type of fraud, including fake shipping notices, fraudulent charity appeals, and deceptive social media ads.
The urgency of the holiday season creates vulnerable conditions for shoppers, making it an ideal time for scammers. With online holiday shopping reaching record levels and fraud cases on the rise, be proactive and vigilant to avoid becoming a victim.
