You won’t believe the weird stuff for sale on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a treasure trove for second-hand electronics, furniture and collectibles. In the market for something a little … weirder? Scroll past the old bikes and baby clothes and you’ll be shocked at what’s hidden in plain sight.
Things that used to be sold only on the Dark Web and other shady corners of the internet are popping up on Facebook in droves. You can get your hands on everything from Ozempic and illegal drugs to used undies.
A one-stop shop for oddities
With over a billion active users and an easy payment system, Facebook Marketplace is a go-to spot for those who dwell (and sell) in the shadows. A search for “mushrooms” will turn up a bunch of listings, and not for the kind you cook with.
One psychedelic mushroom dealer on the platform runs ads showing various strains and what’s in stock.
You’ll find plenty of ads for worn lingerie, too. A woman who earns quite a bit from selling used underwear, nude photos and explicit videos explained how she gets away with it. She simply posts a photo of herself in the underwear listing and says her potential clients get the hint.
Pedaling drugs and nude photos aren’t allowed on Facebook. Parent company Meta claims it closely monitors things to identify and remove sketchy ads, and yet … all drug dealers and s*x workers have to do is get a little creative.
Meanwhile, on Craigslist
Facebook Marketplace isn’t the only place to buy and sell wacky goods and services. Craigslist has long been known for its off-color listings, and it’s still at it.
Breeze through the site’s best-of-craigslist postings and you’ll see that Facebook isn’t the only one. One ad requests help to recover a hidden obelisk, calling it a “serious job.” If you’re interested in helping, the obelisk hunter is willing to pay over $100, depending on how much you discover.
If you’re looking for an RV, how about a haunted 1988 Winnebago LeSharo? The previous owner “killed her husband and traveled in it before being caught and imprisoned.” Oh, and the husband Gerald “haunts the back table and likes to have morning coffee with whoever is around.”
Swap safely
Police calling? Hang up if you get this call
You’re vulnerable to scams if you have a phone (even a regular old landline). That’s right. Even an old-fashioned voice call is still a viable option for crooks well into the digital age.
Sometimes a scam will start as something else, such as a text message or email, which lures the victim into a phone call. You might get a message about an order you didn’t place. A phone number is included so you can call and set things straight. This will lead you right to the crook. Tap or click here to check out this type of scam.
A man used these tricks to break into phones and steal nude photos - Here's how to outsmart creeps like this
You can never be too careful when it comes to online security. Scammers and hackers are a constant danger to your privacy, data and finances. While there is no guaranteed method to remain safe, you can protect yourself and minimize the risk of falling victim.