Facebook Marketplace

been on FB for several years before it changed to Market Place - Meta. 5 star reviews no issues, now I am living a nightmare. We sell a few garden plants from home. Put them on Market Place then cross post to 3 or 4 groups. Then the issues began, no notification, no warning, account suspended - prove identity. Being aware of scams I checked with… Read more

the bot. All information was totally incorrect, this resulted in my account restricted and blocked. I finally via a different bot got to speak to a human, had to give them a copy of my PASSPORT full page, address , DOB, Photo EVERYTHING. Thought that was the end of it, but no just the beginning . For the past 5 weeks as soon as I list an item and cross post to a group I am restricted. Now I have found it looks like my account has also been hacked. Due to the activity of the hacker my account is apparently full of blocks and restrictions. Bots give totally incorrect information that just makes it worse. I have reported a hacker and told to change my email and password but I CANT due to all the restrictions on my account. The human even told me that although non of this is my fault they can reinstate my account but all the blocks and restrictions remain. I cant get codes to fix anything, I cant even now talk to a bot, I cant talk to a human , I cant comment if I get a sales enquiry all because someone is using my account which causes more blocks and restrictions stopping me from getting help. I am now moving all my items across to Gumtree, there are humans there to help when ever there is an issue. Oh yes and it is going to get worse because the human told me Meta/FB is going full Ai. Well good luck because if this is how you treat users you wont have any people using Market Place except scammers and hackers. Oh also on my Market Place listings they have managed to perfectly insert the link to BOOST where you PAY for your post to be seen more. Is this what this is all about ? getting people to pay to list items ? Making it so difficult to list items unless you do pay ? Interesting thought.

This is a brilliant place to sell cars and other stuff. Carsales cost me hundreds and generated little interest. Facebook costs nothing, or a couple of bucks to boost.the only reason not 5 stars is i found navigating a little difficult.

I have been selling items on Facebook for several months now and the sales have gone really well. I was a 5 star seller from 14 reviews. In the recent past, as soon as I had listed about 3 items in a row, Facebook Ai stops me and suspends my… Read more

account until I do a facial recognition for them This sounds easy, but my computer screen doesn't have a camera. I have to borrow someone's laptop to be able to do the facial recognition. This could happen about 2 or 3 times a week. I have previously submitted a review regarding this point a little while ago. Today 7/3/26, I had listed 3 second hand books and the Ai kicked me off until I did the facial recognition. I finally did it within about 15 minutes and then there was a message saying I would have to wait up to an hour for staff to review my "appeal" for being suspended. Well I waited and waited, and finally I received the message that my entire account has been disabled because I had breached their policies. What policy could I possibly breach with second hand Stephen King books???? The message I received also said that there was no further right of appeal. WHAT?? Facebook I did NOTHING wrong. Sorry but the process you are using with Ai is pathetic and totally flawed. What I would like is to have someone from Facebook with a semblance of intelligence check my listings and they will see that there is NO breach of your policies. If your staff are going to disable accounts, then have the decency of telling the account holder the EXACT reason why. Your message to me simply said that I could click on the link to view your policies BUT YOU DISABLED THE LINK. So how am I supposed to know what I did wrong. My response is - I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG. Your system is broken. Look at the number of complaints you have about your website, yet you do NOTHING about the issues raised. It's a shame, as the site was good, but now it is pathetic with no right of appeal. Shame on you!!!!!!!

they keep saying i have breeched there code of conduced, you are suspended then haver a lot of look this way and now that way all bull then latter a sorry you can now use it again getting very tired of THE A I

BEWARE Sponsored products Most are scammers they take you money fast uisually Nopt allowing safer Paypal payments and Facebook doest do a thing about them or even provide a viable complaint avenue. the report function has NEVER been responded to… Read more

when I have tried it. After placing an order you get fast response saying the seller is right onto it and will keep you posted A week later nothing EVERYTIME you enquire the response is we are carefully checking delivery schedules and it will take 2-4 weeks ie it NEVER arrives and you lose your money. Sponsored Facebook sales appear 100% scams the iodd product that may arrive is of terrible /junk quality so beware

Cant believe how fast i sold everything. even though i had low prices on all my items other sites got no hits. Good experience as long as uou prrpared for 5am calls and time wasters. Sold furniture, gym gear, table, desk

I have put my vehicle for sale on marketplace on vehicles for sale and it keeps on putting it in car parts ,l have tried to fix their misake for over 12 hours and still cant fix

Fantastic seller who was extremely helpful – On Friday 4th October 2024 I purchased a Meta Quest 2 headset for $450 with postage of $15 from Lauryn Veli so I would experience virtual reality. I would recommend buying from her since I received excellent communication.

Is Facebook Marketplace a 'real' market, as all I got are silly spammy bot-like queries which led to nowhere? There is something dodgy about how the site works, always trying to get you to promote your ads; so much so it seems that people only see them if actually promoted. I put a bunch of items including furniture on there and it was a… Read more

complete waste of time. All items were like new and for about 10% of the new cost, but it was a wast of time placing ads on there only to end up donating all of the items to Vinnies and the Salvos. They were shocked that I was giving away items like those to charity and not selling them online.

I found the Facebook Marketplace site and the experience so tedious, I would not be suprised if the Marketplace is mostly bots, and the only reason for its existence is data harvesting, at least that would make sense of how bad the site is. It not only a useless site in my experience, but a very poorly designed one as well, like something from the web of yesteryear.

Facebook Marketplace just tedious so DON'T BOTHER, save yourself the time and donate your items.

You can definitely sell stuff and have successful transactions, but the overall experience is just terrible and Facebook offers NO support. If someone doesn't like you and gives you a 1 star review, too bad! That's now stuck on your profile forever. You can't contact anyone to have that removed if it was unfair. Majority of messages are people… Read more

asking the obvious questions, wasting your time, there's fake profiles, scams and sometimes when you think it's going well, they don't show up!

I would give it half a star if I could..! Majority of the enquiries I received about the items I listed for sale seemed fake. Mostlt Indian or Chinese... There are legitimate buyers out there, my experience is about 1 in 10...

Having written reviews for some time, I feel compelled on this occasion to raise awareness about the alarming and deceptive scams currently circulating on Facebook Marketplace. My intention is not only to inform others of these fraudulent practices but also to provide essential guidelines for safely purchasing mobile phones through this platform … Read more

Following the unfortunate breakdown of my mobile phone, I turned to Facebook Marketplace in search of a reasonably priced replacement. Regardless of the financial aspect, what I encountered was both deeply unsettling and profoundly disappointing. The experience revealed the alarming lengths to which certain individuals will go to deceive and exploit honest buyers

When selecting a mobile phone, the first and most critical consideration is the operating system—whether one prefers Android, Apple’s iOS, or Google's distinct ecosystem. Once this decision is made, attention shifts to identifying a specific model, often involving thorough research across flagship and mid-range devices from various manufacturers.

Once prospective buyers have identified their preferred mobile phone model, many opt to purchase locally—ideally from sellers within their own city. This method offers both convenience and the crucial opportunity to inspect the device firsthand, verifying that it aligns with the details presented in the advertisement. In recent years, Facebook Marketplace has emerged as a widely used platform for facilitating such local transactions.

So here are some hints when purchasing a mobile phone:

1. Verify the IMEI Number Before purchasing any mobile device, ensure you obtain and verify its IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. This unique identifier can be checked against reputable databases to confirm whether the device has been blacklisted. Mobile carriers and manufacturers share IMEI data to help track smartphones that may be stolen, lost, or otherwise compromised. A blacklisted device has typically been reported as missing or stolen and, as a result, will not function on Australian networks. Purchasing such a phone not only results in financial loss but may also inadvertently support illegal activity

2. Inspect the Device in Person - Always arrange to meet the seller locally—preferably in a public, well-lit area. - Physically inspect the phone to ensure it matches the advertised condition. - Check for: - Screen damage or discoloration - Battery health (if accessible) - Functionality of buttons, cameras, and ports - Signs of water damage or tampering

3. Ask for Proof of Purchase - Request the original receipt or invoice to confirm ownership. - This helps verify the phone wasn’t obtained through fraudulent means. - If the seller hesitates or refuses, consider it a red flag. - Without a receipt lot of manufactureres will not accept warranty claims or make your life hard when it comes to providding support for your valuable device.

4. Test the Phone Before Paying - Insert your SIM card to confirm the phone connects to your carrier. - Test Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS functionality. - Ensure the phone is not locked to another network unless you’re prepared to unlock it.

5. Avoid Suspiciously Low Prices - If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. - Scammers often lure buyers with unrealistically low prices to rush a sale. - Compare prices with other listings and retail stores to gauge fairness.

6. Document the Transaction - Keep a record of your communication with the seller. - Save screenshots of the listing and any messages exchanged. - If possible, write a simple receipt and have both parties sign it.

7. Ensure the Device Is De-Registered from the Seller’s Account - Before finalizing the purchase, confirm that the device has been removed from the seller’s manufacturer account (e.g., Samsung, Apple, Google). - For instance, if purchasing a Samsung phone, ensure it is no longer linked to the seller’s Samsung account. This allows you to register the device under your own account for warranty and support purposes. - A phone still registered to the previous owner may restrict access to certain features, services, or updates—and in some cases, may even be remotely locked. - If you have the receipt, the device should be registered in your name. Most manufacturers provide a straightforward process for de-registering devices, specificallyo support second-hand sales.

8. Check for Ongoing Software and Security Updates - Ensure the mobile device you’re purchasing is still supported by the manufacturer with regular software and security updates. - Devices that no longer receive updates are vulnerable to security breaches, malware, and other malicious online activities. - Before buying, research the model’s update timeline—most manufacturers publish support schedules outlining how long each device will receive patches. - Prioritize models with at least a few years of remaining support, especially if you intend to use the phone long-term.

9. Never Pay a Deposit Under Any Circumstances - Avoid paying a deposit or partial payment before receiving the device, regardless of the seller’s reasoning or urgency. - This is a common tactic used by scammers to collect money and then disappear, leaving the buyer without recourse. - Legitimate sellers will allow you to inspect the phone in person and complete the transaction on the spot. - If a seller insists on a deposit to “hold” the device, consider it a major red flag and walk away.

Having considered all the essential factors, I narrowed down my options and identified a device that fits both my requirements and budget. Here is what I found:

1.There were no phone/s for sale. The pictures were generic from various copyrighted websites.

2. During my search for a replacement mobile phone on Facebook Marketplace, I encountered a sellers providing IMEI numbers that were not genuine. Upon conducting a simple verification through a public IMEI database, it became clear that the devices were blacklisted—meaning they had been reported as stolen or compromised and were therefore unusable on Australian networks.

To illustrate this, I’ve attached images of the IMEI numbers sent to me by the seller. These serve as a cautionary example of how easily one can be misled if proper checks are not performed. Unfortunately, after reporting the advertisement as a scam, the listing stayed.

3. It was astonishing how frequently individuals purchase mobile devices worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, only to misplace the receipt within a few months. Given the importance of warranty claims and proof of ownership, it is simply not reasonable—or responsible—to leave oneself vulnerable by failing to retain such documentation. I found sellers selling a mobile device worth a few thousand having lost the receipt.

Buyers should be cautious of sellers who claim they have "lost the receipt." In most cases, any legitimate retailer will provide a duplicate copy of the original receipt if requested within 24 months of purchase. Therefore, a seller’s inability or unwillingness to produce a receipt should be treated as a serious red flag.

4. I also found a significant number of mobile devices sold on Facebook Marketplace were grey imports (products originally intended for overseas markets but sold locally without the manufacturer’s authorization). These devices are often not covered by Australian warranties, leaving buyers without support if the phone malfunctions or requires servicing. The buyers claimed authenticity for device despite knowning they were selling the wrong device.

Of the more than 20 phones for sale (matching my description), 7 mobile devices had one of the above issue/s. However, alas, I was able to find THE one that came with all the important elements I was looking for.

HUNDREDS of “Is it still available” and years later….. I’ve requested FB not to give the option of auto click answers 95% ARE SCAMMERS the rest 5% of “is it still available” have nothing better to do than waste your time. I’ve literally been played the whole day to wait for a no show. People abuse the privilege to have good priced 2nd hand goods… Read more

offered. Not 1 person has bought a thing when coming with auto click “Is it still Available” yes, not one! Be confident to DELETE those ones and happy days, you’ll met the nicest of our human race.

“I HATE MARKET PLACE” no actually I hate disrespectful people more. Luckily there are, even if at a lesser extent good & wonderful people. I’d say statically 11 bad to 1 good on FB marketplace.

Thank goodness in real life those stats are opposite.

Facebook don’t care about the customers. RUDE or VERY RUDE treatment of customers. Treating them all the time through AI is really RUDE. It seems that META avoids direct contact with the suckers who contribute to the well-being of the META owner. Put "AI" forward and that's it. Too bad they also made a movie with this scum of a boss. Shame on them… Read more

(even though I know they're not ashamed). I can't give it a minus rating (because the way it looks now it deserves a rating with many minuses).

I have been a seller and buyer of FaceBook since it became available around 2016. Today I felt compelled to rate FaceBook MarketPlace as platform to sell items. Although the site is free I am constantly aware of sharing my information as there appears to be a lot of time wastings asking if the product is available. Of course it is because the… Read more

listing is still up. It is frustrating as I believe most of these questions are just time wasters. I have my items on other sites and admittedly there appears to be genuine buyers on MarketPlace. If only we could get rid of the time wasters.

MarketPlace has been a very important tool for all of us. It allows us to find bargains in a convenient way. Quite a few Scammers used to frequent MP however, this issue has calmed down a bit. I gather they keep improving with time. Unfortunately the "Save" section received a great revamp and it is virtually impossible to undo a "save" nowadays??… Read more

Once it's registered on our list, we cannot get rid of it eventhough it's "sold". Why can't we have the freedom to list and unlist saved items anymore? It's quite inconvenient to have such a long save list. Wish the Programmer thought of this at time of programming as it takes up unnecessary space. Thanks in advance.

Site has a bizzare way of dealing with items it wrongly flags as illegal or counterfeit. I've been through the whole process, which appears to be managed entirely using computer intelligence, including the appeal process. Best I can say about it is, nonsensical. Plus my frustration at how they allow scammers to operate with impunity on their… Read more

platform. I spent ages responding to a heap of fraudsters trying to get my bank details. They need to do better.

The worst sales site. If I had a negative score, I would give it -5. They blocked my marketplace because they said I was selling fake preowned products. Stupid argument, especially since they were secondhand products (who sells fake used products, let's be serious). And the so-called verification is done by machines/programs, not by a person.… Read more

Programs that give big errors. But what can we say, the Meta boss builds bunkers for him with our money and doesn't give a damn about us. SHAME.

Absolutely shocking. I can't belive there hasn't been legal action taken against this site or some government "watch dog" involved. Someone suggested a month ago I go on marketplace to get some furniture for my son moving into a flat.Terrible mistake, nothing but scams, scams and strange people. I had no warning. Never used it before. I certainly… Read more

learnt fast. What a waste of time. Those ads too good to be true are fake. Wanted a lounge. The fake ones are all about $250, they look in perfect condition with the same sort of add and the seller only joined up in 2025, not selling anything else, using obviously fake photos of the seller and the item for sale and never respond to question. I fell for a couple of those, but after a while I worked it out very quickly. Then there was the person who was just totally rude, arrogant and didn't want to have any questions asked; just bring your truck and your money and sent a scowl face to demonstrate their displeasure at you having the hide to ask a question. The real time waster was the person's that were (unbelievable) really selling something. I communicated with them about the product and all seemed okay and when ready to buy and needed to organise pick up they just stopped communicating. Never touch this site again. I'm off to pay full price at physcial store where they delivery.

Guy had an iphonen14 pro 600$ looked ok gave me a reciept from Apple looked ok so I put 50$ deposit then gave me an address. Dummy address, i looked it up on google maps seemed ok . He told me 400pm pick bring cash Then I go on my wife's mobile told me item for sale wanted 100$ deposit pick up 300pm with a different address I then copied all… Read more

message's from this scam Then got on to him again He wanted another 150$ to secure I didn't give it to him Then I showed him message from my wife phone He said i knew it was you Then blocked me and my wifes mobile The moral of this story is DO NOT GIVE ANYONE MONEY DEPOSITS ON MARKET PLACE AS ITS ALL A SCAM I REPORTED TO BANK AND ASIC STILL HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING

Today I tried listing an item for sale on marketplace, which is a vintage TOY Toltoys Zero-7 Pretend Spy Camera / Toy Cap Gun. I stress the word TOY, because that is exactly what it is. As soon as the item was listed I received a message from the marketplace bot informing me that the item had been removed, due to their commerce policies, with… Read more

no real explanation as to why it had been removed.

I immediately requested a review and tried looking for a contact person, which of course is impossible to find.

Upon the bot receiving my request for a review, I was informed by another message that the item had been relisted.

Then a short time later I received another message from the bot stating that the item had been removed again, because of their stupid commerce policies, which made no sense at all.

With no help whatsoever from a person at marketplace, I worked out that there may be something wrong with the wording in my listing, so I tried to list it again, in a different way.

As soon as I entered the title of Toltoys Zero-7 Pretend Spy Camera / Toy Cap Gun, a warning began to show, so I tried again without the words cap or gun, which it was going to accept.

I didn’t bother continuing though because how can you list a vintage TOY cap gun without the words cap gun in the title or listing.

And yet I was able to post the item on eBay, using the full title wording and description, with no problems whatsoever.

My complaint is this. Why is there no human involvement in making these decisions and no human available to discuss it with.

Scammers – I sent this company a text asking if they had binoculars that were night vision as they were advertising them, I went to their wear house to pick up the item paid for them but I was unsure if they were right or not as the box was different from what I had seen, so I went back into the store asked if these were night vision binoculars the guy said… Read more

not sure but I’ll , he took them and came back and said yes I said are 100%sure he said yes, so of I go and later I tried to use them in the dark and these were not night vision binoculars. The sales guy lied to my face and I asked him over and over again and told him I had come a long way to get these and he said yes they are night vision binoculars. After a few messages were sent I was told to bring them back and these were not night vision binoculars . Now I just can’t pop around the corner and take them back . I’m so annoyed that they lied to me over and over again . Now if anyone wants to buy from them please don’t you may not get what you want as they lie and lie . They advertise on Facebook marketplace places so buyers be a weary of them , they trade under the name of Shopee from Silverwater

Unethical Facebook – I provided a photo of a genuine handbag purchased with the authentication certification. They had the gall to cancel my post. Saying it was a fake. The certificate is there with a photo of the bag. Facebook marketplace has no right nor evidence to say it is a fake. Facebook marketplace is judgemental and unethical in their business transactions.

Worst place to try buy anything – Noone ever replies i dont understand or they reply weeks later and always have the same excuse. absolutely hate it to the point i dont bother using it anymore. I dont recommend anyone buying from there