Creepy Facebook Marketplace trend catches female sellers off-guard!
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The digital age has brought us the convenience of online marketplaces, where we can declutter our homes and make a little extra cash by selling items we no longer need for little to no effort.
Facebook Marketplace has become a popular platform for such transactions, offering a simple way to reach local buyers.
However, a concerning trend has emerged that all users, especially women, should be aware of.
A recent surge in unsettling behaviour on Facebook Marketplace has many sellers feeling vulnerable and exposed.
Women are reporting a 'creepy' trend where men use the platform not just to buy items but to fulfil personal fantasies, often crossing the line into harassment.
The issue at hand is multifaceted.
Some women have received messages from men requesting photos of them wearing the clothes for sale.
Others are bribed with extra money for items that 'smell a certain way'.
The number of these requests is alarming and is a stark reminder that what should be a straightforward commercial exchange can quickly become uncomfortable and even unsafe.
The creepiness doesn't stop there.
A new, more invasive trend where men 'follow' women's accounts on Facebook Marketplace has been on the rise.
This function, enabled by default, allows these followers to receive notifications when the woman posts a new item for sale.
This can feel particularly intrusive for sellers, as these men have no genuine interest in the items.
One woman's experience highlights the issue.
After listing bodysuits for sale, she discovered a group of men following her profile.
‘Not to mention most of the men messaging have wives/girlfriends/children. Actually blows my mind,’ she said.
When one of them asked to 'see the outfit in action', she declined with a laugh, only to receive an offer of payment for a picture.
This is not an isolated incident—many women have shared similar stories of unsolicited messages and inappropriate requests.
While users can opt out of allowing people to follow their activity, the fact that it's not a well-known feature means many may be unaware of 'creeps' lurking around.
The problem extends beyond the discomfort of unwanted attention. It raises serious concerns about privacy and safety.
Some women have admitted to accepting money for photos, turning the platform into an impromptu side hustle.
‘Some weird dude paid me $200 for an old pair of leather boots I posted that I'd never worn but I don't think he knew that,’ one said.
‘I buy cheap shoes from Kmart and sell them to guys—got to hustle in these streets,’ another shared.
Others have been horrified by the messages they have received.
'It's their fetish they like talking about it and asking for pictures and s**t[‘s] gross [as f**k],’ one comment read.
‘I sold this guy clothes and when he picked them up he was asking if I had any lingerie for sale,’ another recounted.
One woman recounted a man's request to lick the soles of her boots for payment.
These experiences have left many feeling that Facebook Marketplace is used similarly to dating apps or adult content platforms.
While online marketplaces can be a fantastic way to sell items and interact with the community, users must be wary of potential risks.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe while using Facebook Marketplace or any other online selling platform:
Have you had any experiences with online marketplaces you'd like to share? Your stories could help others stay safe. Share your insights in the comments below.
Facebook Marketplace has become a popular platform for such transactions, offering a simple way to reach local buyers.
However, a concerning trend has emerged that all users, especially women, should be aware of.
A recent surge in unsettling behaviour on Facebook Marketplace has many sellers feeling vulnerable and exposed.
Women are reporting a 'creepy' trend where men use the platform not just to buy items but to fulfil personal fantasies, often crossing the line into harassment.
The issue at hand is multifaceted.
Some women have received messages from men requesting photos of them wearing the clothes for sale.
Others are bribed with extra money for items that 'smell a certain way'.
The number of these requests is alarming and is a stark reminder that what should be a straightforward commercial exchange can quickly become uncomfortable and even unsafe.
The creepiness doesn't stop there.
A new, more invasive trend where men 'follow' women's accounts on Facebook Marketplace has been on the rise.
Stay safe online by keeping personal information private, as this new ‘trend’ among female sellers can be a threat to safety. Image Credit: Pexels/Vlada Karpovich
This function, enabled by default, allows these followers to receive notifications when the woman posts a new item for sale.
This can feel particularly intrusive for sellers, as these men have no genuine interest in the items.
One woman's experience highlights the issue.
After listing bodysuits for sale, she discovered a group of men following her profile.
‘Not to mention most of the men messaging have wives/girlfriends/children. Actually blows my mind,’ she said.
When one of them asked to 'see the outfit in action', she declined with a laugh, only to receive an offer of payment for a picture.
This is not an isolated incident—many women have shared similar stories of unsolicited messages and inappropriate requests.
While users can opt out of allowing people to follow their activity, the fact that it's not a well-known feature means many may be unaware of 'creeps' lurking around.
The problem extends beyond the discomfort of unwanted attention. It raises serious concerns about privacy and safety.
Some women have admitted to accepting money for photos, turning the platform into an impromptu side hustle.
‘Some weird dude paid me $200 for an old pair of leather boots I posted that I'd never worn but I don't think he knew that,’ one said.
‘I buy cheap shoes from Kmart and sell them to guys—got to hustle in these streets,’ another shared.
Others have been horrified by the messages they have received.
'It's their fetish they like talking about it and asking for pictures and s**t[‘s] gross [as f**k],’ one comment read.
‘I sold this guy clothes and when he picked them up he was asking if I had any lingerie for sale,’ another recounted.
One woman recounted a man's request to lick the soles of her boots for payment.
These experiences have left many feeling that Facebook Marketplace is used similarly to dating apps or adult content platforms.
While online marketplaces can be a fantastic way to sell items and interact with the community, users must be wary of potential risks.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe while using Facebook Marketplace or any other online selling platform:
- Privacy Settings: Familiarise yourself with the app's privacy settings. Turn the follower function off if it makes you uncomfortable.
- Public Profile: Keep your personal information private. Avoid linking your Marketplace profile with too many personal details found on your Facebook profile.
- Communication: Keep all communication within the platform. Avoid giving out your phone number or personal email address.
- Meet in Public: If meeting a buyer in person, choose a public place and consider bringing a friend or family member for safety.
- Trust Your Instincts: If a message or request feels off, trust your gut. Do not engage with anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Report and Block: Do not hesitate to use the report and block features if you encounter harassment or inappropriate behaviour.
- Share Your Experience: If you have had a negative experience, consider sharing it to raise awareness among your peers.
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