What to Do If Your Facebook Marketplace Order Never Arrives

It starts like it always does, with an innocent scroll. A trendy product pops up in your feed: maybe a cozy sweatshirt, a gadget with too-good-to-be-true reviews, or a limited-time deal that feels urgent. You click, you buy, and you wait. But the order never shows up. Then you check the tracking… and it says “Delivered.”

 

That’s exactly what happened to one Georgia consumer who ordered from two different companies via Facebook, only to later suspect they were actually the same seller, operating under different names. Neither order ever arrived, but both were marked as delivered. One company offered a partial refund; the other refused outright.

 

If you've been caught in a similar loop, here’s how to regain control and avoid falling for the same trap again.

Why Online Orders Say “Delivered” Even When They Weren’t 

Let’s be honest here. Online shopping has made our lives easier, but it’s also opened the door for scammers to hide behind fake storefronts. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are popular targets for these schemes because they combine impulse-friendly ads with minimal seller verification.

 

In this case, the consumer realized too late that both companies might be linked: sharing similar order processes, customer service responses, and suspicious tracking data. One company played nice (offering a partial refund), the other stonewalled. Neither actually delivered the goods.

 

The tricky part? When a tracking number is marked “delivered,” payment processors are less likely to side with the buyer… unless you act fast.

Online shopping has made our lives easier, but it’s also opened the door for scammers to hide behind fake storefronts. (iStock)

Here’s What You Should Do (And What You Shouldn’t)

If your social media order says “delivered” but you never got the item, don’t just wait it out. Time matters. Here are the key steps you should take:

 

First, contact the seller (but don’t count on them). Reach out to the company through whatever channels they offer. Document your attempts, even if they ignore you.

 

Next, gather your proof. Save all correspondence, receipts, and screenshots of the order, especially if the seller refuses to help or only offers partial reimbursement.

 

Then initiate a chargeback. Call your credit card company or bank and ask to dispute the charge. Chargebacks are one of your strongest protections. If you can show that you tried to resolve the issue and the item was never received, you’ll likely get your money back.

Not sure if your bank allows chargebacks on certain purchases? Most do, but always double check, especially for debit card payments.

Why You Should Be Wary of Social Media Sellers

Scammers are constantly evolving. One tactic that’s exploded in recent years is the use of cloned brands: i.e., multiple store names operating from the same backend. They use stolen images, fake reviews, and even shipping numbers that appear legitimate (until you realize your “package” was delivered to another city).

 

Here’s how to spot red flags before you click “buy”:

  • Vague business information or no clear company address
  • Suspiciously good deals or large discounts on popular products
  • Copy-pasted customer service replies
  • Sites with odd URLs that mimic real brands

Even some real companies outsource their advertising to shady third parties. So it's not always easy to tell the difference.

While social media has made shopping feel seamless, it’s also created new opportunities for fraud. (iStock)

Better Ways to Shop Online Safely

So how can you shop online and still sleep at night?

  • Buy Directly from Verified Retailers: If you see an ad on Facebook or Instagram, resist the urge to buy directly from it. Instead, look up the brand’s official website and confirm it’s the real deal.
  • Check Reviews Outside the Site: Use trusted review platforms or search “[Company Name] scam” to see what others are saying.
  • Use Payment Methods That Offer Protection: Credit cards and some mobile wallets (like Apple Pay or PayPal) often provide better fraud resolution than debit cards or bank transfers.

Final Thoughts

While social media has made shopping feel seamless, it’s also created new opportunities for fraud. If a seller’s only presence is an ad in your feed, take a beat before you buy.

 

And if you’ve already been scammed, don’t delay. Your bank or credit card company may be your best ally in getting your money back.

Have you ever received a “delivered” package that never arrived? What steps did you take and what would you do differently next time?