The Broken Item Scam is a fraudulent activity on Facebook Marketplace where a seller deliberately sends a damaged or non-functional item to a buyer.
When the buyer receives the item and reports the damage, the seller disclaims responsibility, often blaming shipping issues or falsely claiming that the item was in good condition when dispatched.
How Does Broken Item Scam Happen?
- Listing of the Item
The scam begins with a seller listing an item, usually at an attractive price, which appears to be in good condition based on the provided photos and descriptions. - Completion of Sale
A buyer shows interest, and after some communication, agrees to purchase the item. The transaction is completed, and the seller ships the item. - Receipt of Damaged Item
Upon receiving the item, the buyer discovers that it is damaged, broken, or significantly different from its advertised condition. - Denial of Responsibility
When the buyer contacts the seller to complain, the seller denies responsibility. They may claim that the item was damaged during shipping, insist it was in perfect condition when sent, or suggest that the buyer is at fault. - Refusal to Refund
Typically, the scammer refuses to offer a refund or return, leaving the buyer with a damaged item and financial loss.
Why Broken Item Scam is Effective
- Trust in Seller’s Integrity
Buyers often assume that sellers are honest about the condition of the item. - Difficulty in Proving Fault
It can be challenging to prove that the item was damaged before shipping, especially if there’s no evidence like pre-shipment photos or videos. - Shipping as a Scapegoat
Blaming shipping damage is a common excuse that can seem plausible, especially for delicate items.
How to Avoid the Broken Item Scam
- Request Current Photos
Ask for current photos or a video of the item to verify its condition before purchasing. - Check Seller Reviews
Look for reviews or feedback on the seller’s profile for any past complaints of similar issues. - Use Secure Payment Methods
Pay through secure methods that offer buyer protection. - Document the Unboxing
When you receive the item, record the unboxing process. This can serve as evidence if the item is damaged. - Insist on Shipping Insurance
For valuable items, request that the seller uses shipping methods that include insurance.
What to Do If You Encounter a Broken Item Scam
- Document the condition of the item upon arrival with photos or videos.
- Contact the seller to report the issue. If they refuse to cooperate, inform them that you will report the incident.
- Report the seller and the transaction to Facebook Marketplace.
- If you used a payment method with buyer protection, file a claim for a refund.
- Share your experience publicly (if appropriate) to warn others about the seller.
- Consider legal action if the financial loss is significant and you have sufficient evidence to support your claim.
See Also:
Fake Product Scam on Facebook Marketplace
