How to spot stolen goods for sale on Facebook Marketplace (2024)

When something seems too good to be true, it often is.

That’s particularly true when it comes to finding a deal while shopping online marketplaces such as Facebook.

In recent months, police across Metro Vancouver have sounded the alarm over stolen goods being “fenced” or resold for less online. The seller makes a profit and the buyer often has no idea the item was stolen.

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On Tuesday, Surrey RCMP announced the arrest of a Maple Ridge woman after an investigation into possession of property obtained by crime.

During a June 14 search of a home on Jackson Road, it was found that the woman had hundreds of designer clothing items, such as jackets, tops, leggings and more, listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace. She’s also alleged to have set up a retail-style storefront within her home to sell the items.

In total, officers seized more than $43,000 worth of items.

“If the deal is too good to be true, it probably is and we are asking buyers to be aware,” said Staff Sgt. Nigel Pronger in a news release.

“The Surrey RCMP apply a comprehensive retail strategy by working closely with our retail partners. The community can also play a part by reporting suspicious activity and not giving a market for these criminals to exploit.”

Police are now wanting to speak with anyone who may have inadvertently purchased items from the Maple Ridge suspect and are asking them to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and cite file 2024-49449.

Here’s how to spot stolen goods for sale on Facebook Marketplace:

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According to Surrey RCMP’s Cpl. James Mason, shoppers should trust their gut when it comes to finding a deal online.

“It’s important to read the post and understand what is being sold,” said Mason.

He flagged a few details that shoppers should keep an eye out for, that could potentially indicate a stolen item.

Do the item(s) have the original sale tag?

Items being sold with tags still attached does not necessarily mean an item is stolen; the seller may have lost the receipt or the window for exchange or return may have passed. However, there’s no harm in asking the seller the reason for selling an item if you notice a tag is attached and the item appears to be unused.

Are there several posts by the same seller with similar items?

On Facebook Marketplace, clicking on a seller’s Marketplace profile will show all of their active listings. Check if the seller seems to be selling multiples of the same item or similar items. See if there’s a theme to the type of listings they have up for sale.

Is the seller offering a selection of sizes, patterns or colour variations for the same item?

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Another detail that should set off your radar is a seller that is offering a variety of options for an item, such as sizes, patterns or colours. While it makes sense why someone might have multiples of some items or an item in two sizes, your radar should be going off if someone is offering a range from sizes from XS to XL in the same pair of brand-new Lululemon pants.

Is there a “makeshift storefront” to pick up the items?

In many of the investigations into retail theft, police have found suspects with organized “storefronts” set up in their homes. Unknowing customers may reach out to a seller via an online marketplace for one item and be invited to pick up their purchased item from their home, where a storefront-style display is arranged to show off other items for sale.

What is Meta doing to stop stolen items on Facebook Marketplace?

A Meta spokesperson declined to comment but pointed Postmedia toward their help page that guides Facebook users on what to do if they spot a stolen item on Marketplace.

“Selling stolen items isn’t allowed on Marketplace and goes against our commerce policies,” according to Meta’s help page.

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“If you see an item on Marketplace that you think was stolen, we recommend that you contact your local law enforcement.”

A listing can also be reported to Meta for review.

How can I stay safe when buying items online?

Facebook’s guidelines for user Marketplace also suggest the following tips on how to avoid frauds and scams when shopping online.

• Meeting in-person to verify the person’s identity and the item being purchased. You can arrange to meet in a public, well-lit spot such as at a library or many local police stations will have safe exchange zones. Any seller who declines to meet near a police station should give you pause.

• Avoid direct money transfers into a seller’s bank account. Instead, offer to use a person-to-person payment site such as PayPal, which offers additional protections.

• Keep your communications to Facebook so you have a record of the exchange and conversation, instead of communicating privately by other means.

sip@postmedia.com

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