Tell HN: It's quite simple to deceive someone on Facebook Marketplace
I recently purchased a Herman Miller chair on Facebook Marketplace and, like anyone, was closely monitoring the UPS site to track my package. Everything seemed fine until I noticed that, while in transit, the seller instructed UPS to return the package to them. Now, I'm facing an issue where Facebook doesn't allow me to file a claim. Every attempt results in the same response: "The seller has already shipped your package." I was surprised at how easily one can be scammed on Facebook Marketplace with such an obvious trick. How did you pay for it? Via Card, stored on Facebook Marketplace. Using the "buy" button. Call your card and file a fraud claim immediately. Thank you. Yes, I did that. Also, while filling out the letter for my credit card company, I noticed a review from a buyer a few days ago claiming to have been scammed from the same seller. And what is Facebook doing about it? Absolutely nothing. The system is deeply flawed; it doesn't allow you to file claims simply because the item is marked as shipped. Put yourself in FB's shoes and with their scale. What would you do? Yes and no. I grasp, or at least I believe I grasp, some of the complexities involved. However, the primary issue arises from the system's refusal to allow the submission of a claim simply because the shipment status is marked as shipped. So it is super simple for a bad actor to take advantage of buyers. - You make an online purchase. - A bad actor ships an item of similar weight . - During transit, the bad actor interrupts the shipment and requests an address change. - Consequently, the buyer is left responsible and unable to file a claim. Also, it looks there are a couple problems with Marketplace in general [1] [1] https://www.propublica.org/article/facebook-grew-marketplace... If they acknowledge there is even a problem, then they are liable for that problem.