Private-party sales, once strictly the domain of the classified ad section of newspapers, have largely moved online.
Facebook Marketplace has captured more than half of that market. Worldwide, approximately 1 in 4 people (or over a billion people) visit Facebook Marketplace monthly, making it a major hub for consumer-to-consumer transactions, an estimated $30 billion in 2024 alone.
Users enjoy the convenience of buying locally at discounted prices from their neighbors where bartering is not frowned upon.
It is generally a safe and fun way to purchase and sell items in the community.
However, as it seems to be almost always the case with social media, there are potential dangers, sometimes with fraud or misrepresented sales items and sometimes even more serious outcomes.
On Friday, two men were arrested after allegedly arranging a fake transaction and attempting to rob the would-be buyer. Columbus police officers responded at about 2:06 p.m. to the parking lot of Lowe’s Home Improvement. When they arrived, they determined the two suspects had posted a vehicle for sale online and had arranged to meet a potential buyer in the parking lot. During that meeting, the suspects allegedly attempted to rob the victim.
Fortunately the victim had a couple of things going for him: He met the would-be robbers in a well-traveled public place during daylight hours, two things law enforcement organizations say anyone making these kinds of transactions should insist on. If the meet-up location had been more secluded, or in the evening, it’s likely the robbery would have been successful. The victim might well have been in peril, too.
Many police departments have designated areas where people can complete these transitions, places with 24/7 surveillance or in police parking lots. The Columbus Police Department designated the Municipal Complex next to the police station as a Safe Trade Station.
With almost 10 years of social commerce to draw from, there are several ways to help make sure your transaction is safe. In addition to location and time of day, it’s a good idea to bring a companion, but if you can’t arrange that, you should text someone with the details of the meet-up. You should never conduct business from your home nor give someone your personal information.
These transactions are almost all done in cash, but if you’re purchasing a big-ticket item, it’s better to agree on using an online payment platform like Apple Pay, Venmo, Cash App or PayPal.
Finally, trust your instincts. If a deal feels “too good to be true” or the other person’s communication is suspicious or aggressive, cancel the transaction and walk away.
As the holiday shopping season approaches, social commerce is a popular source for buying and selling,
Making it a safe experience should be a top priority.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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