The Dangerous Side of Facebook Marketplace in the Gem State

Facebook Marketplace is a great resource to use for those selling or buying items. There are fantastic deals to be had. There is something for everyone, and typically, if you are in need of anything, you can find it at a good price on Facebook Marketplace. The prices are typically lower than anywhere else, although there are those that use Facebook Marketplace to make a profit and may sell high on certain items. It doesn't matter if you are looking for furniture, a car, shelving, toys, clothes, or anything else. It's a great way to make money or to find great deals. There is a dangerous side to Facebook Marketplace, and while you might think it won't happen to you in Idaho, it is best to be cautious. 

The Dangers of Facebook Marketplace in Idaho

When selling or buying on Facebook Marketplace, it is always best to meet the other person in a public area like the mall, a big public parking lot, or in a big store where other people are around. It isn't the best idea to invite them to your home or to go to theirs, and if that is the only option for bigger items, make sure to have someone home with you or to take someone with you or notify them where you are going. For the most part, people show up, buy their items, or sell their items, and then the two parties never stay in contact, but every so often, there is that one person who decides to use Facebook Marketplace for things other than selling and buying items, and that is where things get scary and dangerous. How do you know who these people are, and what do you need to look out for? 

Creepers on Facebook Marketplace

The scariest part about Facebook Marketplace is that you feel like you're doing only a business deal, but some take advantage of the conversation and feel like they are welcomed into your life. It is tough to know who these individuals are, which is what makes it scary. Recently, a man reached out to my wife to buy an item, and showed up, looked at the item, and decided it wasn't what he was looking for. This is common, as sometimes pictures don't do a certain item justice and you don't know until you see it in person or measure it, if it is what you want. What made this interaction scary was that it was hours later when the man decided to start messaging my wife inappropriate messages. This makes for a scary situation as the man knows where we live and is reaching out to have a conversation my wife is uncomfortable with. You hear about these stories, and think they won't happen to you, until they do. 

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Let this serve as a reminder that it is always a good idea to try and meet elsewhere instead of at your home or theirs. If a situation like what happened to us happens to you, make sure to contact authorities and get ahead of it. It is better to be paranoid and cautious, then things escalate and put you in danger before it is too late. Be safe when using Facebook Marketplace, and happy shopping.