Why Do Scammers Want to Use Apple Pay on Facebook Marketplace? Is It Safe?
Hey there, fellow Facebook Marketplace sellers! If you've been selling for a while, you've probably heard about those sneaky scammers lurking around. You may be asking yourself “Is it okay to accept Apple Pay on Facebook?” It's essential to know how they might try to use Apple Pay to trick you. The most common tactic is for them to ask to use Zelle. In fact, I have an entire blog linked here on why they use Zelle and how to avoid that scam. But, first, let’s look into if it’s safe and smart to use Apple Pay when selling on Facebook.
Why might scammers use Apple Pay?
Well, it's all about making quick and untraceable transactions. They create fake profiles to appear legit, and then they'll send you an offer. Once you agree, they'll insist on using Apple Pay for payment. Sounds easy and secure, right? Not quite.
How Scammers Use Apple Pay
Now, let's talk about the sneaky stuff.
One common method is sending an email or text claiming your account has been suspended, your payment failed, or you need to upgrade/update your account. These will include links, security codes, or requests to sign in. Don’t do it. The website may be hyperlinked to a fake site (so you’re actually clicking hacker.com instead of applepay.com) or it may be close/tricky (appplepay.com, secureyourapple.com).
Another Tactic
Scammers may send you a fake payment confirmation or request you to send a 'refund' for overpayment. These will often come via (fake/edited) screenshots, emails from deceiving email addresses, or text (if you’ve shared your number.. which I don’t recommend doing.) However, you haven’t truly received their payment. It may be a pending transaction that will never deposit to your account, or they likely never sent it at all. They hope you'll send the refund before you realize you never got paid. In fact, they may get pushy or even aggressive if you refuse to refund or demand to wait. Some will even have the nerve to call YOU a scammer. Others may threaten legal action or insult your character.
Apple Pay Refund Policy
It's crucial to understand that Apple Pay's refund policy is geared toward protecting consumers in retail transactions, not person-to-person payments. If you've mistakenly sent money to the wrong person or fallen victim to a scam, your chances of getting a refund from Apple Pay are slim. This is why it's crucial to stay vigilant and cautious when dealing with transactions on platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
Safely Using Apple Pay
If you still want to use Apple Pay, be cautious. I would only recommend using it if you know the person personally. Remember— your friend’s account may have been hacked! Never give out personal information or follow strange links. When sharing your phone number, be aware that it's a frequent scammer strategy. Don't share Google Voice numbers, security info, or PIN codes. Protect yourself! In all honesty, I would rather lose the sale entirely than ever share my phone number.
Fell for the Scam?
If you realize you've fallen for an Apple Pay scam, don't panic. Here's what you should do:
Contact Apple Support immediately to report the fraudulent transaction.
Disconnect your bank account from Apple Pay to prevent further unauthorized transactions.
Freeze your bank account or card to prevent scammers from accessing your funds.
Contact your bank to notify them of the issue.
Report the scam to Facebook Marketplace, so they can take appropriate action against the scammer's account. But don’t hold your breath. Thousands of fake accounts are created daily.
Conclusion
Now, let me clarify that Apple Pay is a legitimate way to accept money. However, scammers are out there. Stay vigilant and follow these tips to keep your transactions safe and secure. If you're eager to learn more about selling on Facebook Marketplace, check out my eCourse, Flip It! with Maggie McGaugh. It's packed with in-depth guidance on how to sell and purchase effectively on the platform.
Remember, it's a jungle out there, but with the right knowledge, you can thrive and make those sales with confidence. Stay safe and happy selling!
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