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Watchdog has heard complaints from Facebook Marketplace sellers, who told us that individuals claiming that they wanted to buy their items on the site have used a fake bank transfer app to ‘pay’ for the items. They state that, because of this, the money never reached the sellers’ accounts, and – in some cases – the scammers have left with the items, without any money being exchanged.

We heard from Gail, who is a regular seller on Facebook Marketplace. She listed a laptop for £450, and told Watchdog:

“I gave him the bank details. He put them into his phone. And then he showed me then the arrow that goes around, and then he shows with the tick page. The app didn't look any different to what I had on mine. And he did say it might take up to two hours to go through. I said ok, I trust you and off he went.”

Gail did not receive the money for this laptop into her bank account.

Gail isn’t alone. Leighton and Riza listed a mobile phone, watch and headphones on Facebook Marketplace for £750. They also said they believed the app that the buyer used to pay was legitimate:

“Because you had the amount in the bank, according to the app, plus it give a negative amount after you transferred the money," they said.

After they had not received the money 2 hours later, they messaged the scammer saying that there was an issue. The scammer then blocked their account. Following this, Leighton and Riza say they had issues reporting the account. They told us:

“Basically, I can't report him because he's already left the group and blocked me so it won’t let you.”

Fake banking apps similar to what Gail, Leighton and Riza saw used were readily available on the Google Play Store.

Watchdog has also heard calls for Facebook Marketplace to introduce a secure payment system which mediates transactions, rather than waiting for issues to be reported.

In response to the use of fake bank transfer apps on Facebook Marketplace:

A Meta spokesperson told Watchdog:

“We’re sorry to hear people are being misled in this way. This is an industry-wide issue and scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to defraud people in a range of ways including email, SMS and fake banking apps. We don’t want anyone to fall victim to these criminals which is why our platforms already have systems to block fraudulent activity and we work closely with Stop Scams UK to help victims. We encourage people to report activity like this to us and the police, so we can take action.”

A Google spokesperson told Watchdog:

“The safety and security of users is our top priority, and if we discover an app that violates our policies, we take action.”

“We don't allow apps that expose users to deceptive or harmful financial products and services and we are constantly evolving Google Play's policies to fight this sort of abuse. For example, today, we updated our to mandate that any app containing financial features must submit the financial features declaration form, along with supplementary information and documentation. When violations of our policies are found, we take appropriate action."

All the fake bank transfer apps Watchdog have made Google aware off have now been removed from the Google Play store.

The police have the following advice if your planning on selling an item on social media:

“If you think you’re a victim of this type of fraud involving fake banking apps, or any other type of scam, do not feel ashamed or embarrassed as you’re not alone.”

“Please contact your bank immediately and also report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or call 101 to be connected to the police service covering the area where you live.”

“If selling online, we would encourage sellers to:

• Include a sentence on the bottom of your ad making buyers aware that you have knowledge of the fake banking apps This is likely to deter users of this app making contact by indicating your vigilance to this type of fraud.
• Check the buyer’s history and feedback
• Where possible, use recommended payment tools such as PayPal
• Before you hand over any goods, always check your own bank account first to ensure payment has arrived
• Avoid handing the item over to the seller before payment is confirmed.”