Why do sellers get defensive when asked for serial numbers?

Legitimate sellers usually don't—they appreciate cautious buyers. If a seller becomes defensive or makes excuses when asked for an IMEI, VIN, or serial number, that's a major red flag indicating the item may be stolen or have other issues.

Can I check items at the meetup instead of beforehand?

Yes! The SafeOrStolen mobile app allows verification at point-of-sale. However, checking beforehand saves you the trip if the item is flagged. For high-value items, we recommend checking BEFORE meeting to avoid wasted time.

What if the Facebook Marketplace seller has good reviews?

Unfortunately, scammers and thieves often cultivate positive review profiles over months before selling stolen goods. Reviews are helpful but not sufficient protection—verification of the actual item is the only way to be sure.

Is it safe to buy phones on Facebook Marketplace?

It can be, but phones are one of the most commonly stolen items. ALWAYS verify the IMEI before purchasing. A phone can look perfect but be carrier-blacklisted or reported stolen, making it useless when you try to activate it.

How do I find the IMEI on an iPhone before buying?

Ask the seller to go to Settings > General > About and scroll to IMEI. They can also dial *#06# to display it. If the seller can't or won't provide the IMEI, do not buy the phone.

Marketplace Safety

0:59

Kelly McEvoy

Facebook Marketplace Safety: Verify Items Before Meeting Seller

Name: Facebook Marketplace Safety: Verify Items Before Meeting Seller
Uploaded: 2024-12-05T00:00:00Z
Duration: 59 s
Channel: Kelly McEvoy
Description: Don't buy stolen items on Facebook Marketplace! Use SafeOrStolen to verify EVERY item before you meet the seller. Check electronics, vehicles, tools and more.

Don't buy stolen items on Facebook Marketplace! Use SafeOrStolen to verify EVERY item before you meet the seller. Check electronics, vehicles, tools and more.

#facebookmarketplace

#marketplacesafety

#scamprevention

#buyerprotection

#verifyitems

About This Video

Facebook Marketplace has become one of the largest venues for buying and selling used goods, but it's also a prime target for thieves looking to offload stolen merchandise. This video provides essential safety tips for anyone buying on Facebook Marketplace, focusing on verification as your primary protection. Unlike traditional advice that focuses on meeting in safe locations, this video addresses the real threat: purchasing stolen property that will eventually be confiscated. Learn how to get IMEI, VIN, and serial numbers BEFORE meeting sellers, what red flags indicate stolen goods, and how to use SafeOrStolen's verification to ensure every purchase is legitimate.

Key Takeaways

Facebook Marketplace has become a major outlet for stolen goods
Traditional safety tips (public meeting, bring a friend) don't protect against stolen items
Always request IMEI, VIN, or serial number BEFORE agreeing to meet
Red flags include: price too good to be true, seller won't meet at their home, no serial numbers visible
Quick sale pressure often indicates seller wants to offload before item is reported stolen
Use SafeOrStolen mobile app to verify at point of sale
Legitimate sellers are happy to provide identifiers and wait for verification

Video Transcript Summary

The video begins by acknowledging Facebook Marketplace's convenience—millions of local deals happening every day. But with that volume comes risk. Kelly explains that while most advice focuses on physical safety (meeting in public, bringing a friend), the bigger financial risk is buying stolen property. When you buy a stolen item, you become a victim twice: first losing your money, then losing the item when police identify it. The video walks through the common scenario: you see a great deal on an iPhone, meet the seller at a coffee shop, everything looks legitimate, you pay and leave happy—only to have police knock on your door three weeks later. Kelly then demonstrates the prevention strategy: before agreeing to meet, message the seller asking for the IMEI (for phones), VIN (for vehicles), or serial number. Run it through SafeOrStolen. If it comes back clean, proceed with the meetup. If the seller refuses to provide the number or makes excuses, that's your red flag to walk away. The video highlights specific warning signs: pricing 30%+ below market value, sellers who claim they don't know how to find the serial number, urgency to sell immediately, and unwillingness to meet anywhere near their home. It concludes by showing the SafeOrStolen mobile app, which allows buyers to run verification while standing next to the seller—no need to complete the transaction until you have peace of mind.

Key Statistics

Facebook Marketplace has 1+ billion monthly users

Phones are among the top 3 stolen items sold on Marketplace

Over 40% of online fraud victims bought from peer-to-peer marketplaces

30%+ below market price is a major red flag

30-second verification can save you thousands

Expert Tips from Kelly McEvoy

"When messaging Facebook Marketplace sellers, use this script: "Hi! I'm interested in purchasing. Before we arrange a meetup, could you please send me the [IMEI/VIN/serial number]? I always verify items through SafeOrStolen before buying—it only takes 30 seconds and protects both of us." Legitimate sellers appreciate cautious buyers. If the seller becomes defensive, makes excuses, or ghosts you after this request, you've just avoided a potentially stolen item."