With 1.8 billion users on Facebook, more businesses are using social media to manage inquiries, sales and customer services. But, how do you make sure that you are transacting via Facebook securely?
Facebook Messenger is now growing to be the most popular method of communication for many. Using messenger is an easy and instant way to contact the business that you want to engage with. Even more so for those countries providing free messenger access without consuming your data package!
But how do you know that the Facebook page that you are chatting with is legitimately representing a business?
How To Validate The Legitimacy of a Facebook Business
5 Tips for Transacting via Facebook Securely
We’ve put together 5 simple but basic tips to make sure you are transacting via Facebook securely.
- Check that the Facebook page is verified. This is indicated by a small check mark next to the page name and logo. Facebook have a strict validation process where the company has to submit business papers to verify legitimate representation.
- Check the reviews page, photos and guest posts for personal testimony from previous customers. If there is no reviews page, this is a red flag and proceed with caution.
- Do a google search for public information. Not every business has a public domain website, but it is definitely more assuring to see one. If there is no public website, look for listings in telephone directories such as yell.com and other sites. Google also performs business verification which uses a “Snail Mail” validation process to validate the physical address of the business. Google verified businesses can be seen on the right hand side of the google search results. Business Information will be listed such as the address, contact numbers and other details like Facebook rating and opening hours.
- Ask for business registration papers. If you are still not satisfied that you are dealing with a legit company, ask them to send a photo of their business license or registration. If you are dealing with a free lancer you might want to ask for a copy of their ID.
Payments
- Finally, only use secured payment methods such as Paypal. Paypal services have payment security for both the buyer and provider, as well as an independent dispute process.
Oh and as an extra nugget of advice… the number of likes does not necessarily prove legitimacy, as advertising through Facebook is a paid service!