Tell HN: It's quite simple to deceive someone on Facebook Marketplace

[metatranca]

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.

[latchkey]

How did you pay for it?

[metatranca]

Via Card, stored on Facebook Marketplace. Using the "buy" button.

[latchkey]

Call your card and file a fraud claim immediately.

[metatranca]

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.

[latchkey]

Put yourself in FB's shoes and with their scale. What would you do?

[metatranca]

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...