In an exclusive interview with Counter -eating, a victim – who requested to remain in the anonymity for security – shared his recent experience when trying to sell a new refrigerator through Facebook Marketplace.
“Many people wrote to me, but one convinced me because he said it was for his daughter, who lived alone. It seemed like a very credible story,” he says. The alleged buyer claimed not being able to attend personally, so he hired a move service to collect the article at an intermediate point. Despite his doubts, the seller accepted.
The operation seemed legitimate: a truck with moving logos arrived promptly. But before delivering the refrigerator, the seller demanded to see the payment reflected in his account. The buyer showed him a “in process” transfer voucher made from a “practical” and pressed it to deliver the product, claiming that the money could not be canceled.
Hours later, the second part of the deception came. An alleged accountant contacted him demanding a deposit of 3,000 pesos to “release” the transfer. When refusing, threats began: “We know who you are. We have your data. Cooperate or attentive to the consequences,” they said.
To his surprise, the extortionist even confused him with another victim, mentioning a “dining room” instead of a refrigerator, confirming that he was part of a criminal cell that operated with several simultaneous cases.
Despite having acted with caution, the victim was effectively manipulated. His case reflects how these criminal networks combine impersonation of identity, emotional manipulation and access to personal data to cheat and intimidate. In addition, it shows the presence of an organized crime network that extends through several areas of the country.
A vulnerable ecosystem
Facebook Marketplace has revolutionized the digital sale, but behind its apparent comfort a little regulated, conducive to increasingly sophisticated fraud is hidden.
Since its launch in 2016, and with more than one billion global users since 2021, Marketplace has become a daily tool for millions of people. In Mexico, its ease of use and the possibility of connecting with buyers or vendors in the same geographical area have positioned it as one of the favorite options to acquire new or second -hand products.
However, this popularity has brought with it a growing problem: scams. Data from the Citizen Council for Security and Justice of Mexico City reveal that until December 2024 2,982 fraud reports related to Marketplace were attended, an increase of 17% compared to 2023. Of these cases, 35% involved the sale of electronic or appliances, 11% vehicles, and 8.3% services as diverse as moving or even breast milk.
Despite these alarming numbers, the regulation by Facebook remains limited. Their automated detection system and human review fail to stop the advancement of staplers networks, operating with false profiles, social engineering strategies and psychological pressures. In many cases, legitimate users are blocked without explanation, while criminals continue active, thus increasing consumer vulnerability.
Proté
Given this panorama, experts recommend acting with extreme caution when using Facebook Marketplace. These are some of the key recommendations:
Buy or sell only local people and verify the items in person.
Make exchanges in public places and during the day.
Check the profile of the buyer or seller: if it is new or has little activity, distrust.
Compare the price of the product with that of the market. If it is too good to be true, it probably is.
Distrust raffles, gifts or links that request personal data.
Use only safe payment methods (such as PayPal or Facebook Checkout). Avoid bank transfers or gift cards.
Keep the conversation within Facebook Messenger. Do not change platform.
Do not send items without having received the confirmed payment.
Distrust sudden changes in the price or conditions of the treatment.
Never share verification codes or sensitive bank data.
In addition, it is recommended to report any suspicious activity directly to Facebook through its help portal: https://www.facebook.com/help/ipad-app/196126404168290
The growth of Facebook Marketplace in Mexico has generated opportunities, but also risks. In a digital environment where trust is key, user education and timely complaint remain the best tools to stop this type of crime.
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