I’m a tech expert – photo clue on Facebook Marketplace is sign you’re about to lose money

DON’T fall for a dangerous Facebook Marketplace scam that leaves you penniless.

Cyber-experts say there are plenty of signs that you’re the target of a con.

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And one of those clues can be found on the profile of the person you’re talking to.

Scammers will typically message you directly on Facebook Marketplace, posing as a real person in order to trick you.

“Look for an account that’s only recently been created or that has next to no other activity. Those might be red flags,” said a McAfee cyber-expert in an official security memo.

“Also, try a reverse-image search of the person’s profile picture.

“Some scammers pull stock photos and other pictures off the internet to round out their bogus Facebook profiles.”

To do a reverse image search, just go into Google Chrome, load up the image and right-click it.

Then choose the option to search the image with Google.

This will reveal other places where the image has been used, helping you to identify whether you’re speaking to a fraud.

Other tips to stay safe

There are four other pieces of advice you should follow when making Marketplace transactions.

The first is to try to do your deals locally.

Many scams rely on shipping items far and wide.

But if you make a local purchase, you’re less likely to be scammed.

“For example, you could ask the seller to show that the game console you want to buy actually works,” McAfee explained.

“Likewise, you can avoid all manner of shipping-based scams on Facebook by conducting your transaction in person.”

Secondly, try to do your deals in public – and don’t go alone.

McAfee advises doing physical transactions in a public place with a friend.

And let other people know what you’re doing and where you’ll be.

Thirdly, try to stick to Facebook Marketplace if that’s where your conversation started.

“If you choose to purchase an item that’s shipped, conduct your transaction on Facebook,” the McAfee expert explained.

“By using its approved payment methods, you can gain the purchase protections mentioned above.

“Don’t use online payment methods like Zelle or Venmo, which aren’t protected by Facebook currently.”

Finally, make sure to document the transaction so you have records of everything that happened.

That way if there is an issue, you have information that you can share with Facebook.

This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk