This Is Illegal To Sell On Facebook Marketplace

You probably didn’t realize this was illegal to sell on Facebook marketplace.

Have you ever seen a post in your Facebook newsfeed encouraging the adoption of a pitbull? Or maybe any animal?

Maybe you have seen someone trying to rehome a cat? 

Technically this is illegal. 

You can get away with it so long as you don’t post the listing on Facebook marketplace, because there are strict rules against selling animals on there…as one Buffalo man learned the hard way.

One man by the name of Austin posted his listing of a “75 Gallon Fish Tank and Iron Stand,” but quickly had to make the modification to the post that he is not selling the fish as Facebook does not allow it. 

As you can see above, fish are pictured in the tank which made some individuals concerned about the rules in place by Facebook Marketplace and the head company Meta. 

You won’t get fined or imprisoned for breaking the rule — you’ll just be thrown in Facebook jail, and a Facebook comment taken the wrong way could do the same thing. 

Other things that cannot be sold on Facebook marketplace include:

• Anything that isn't a physical product for sale. For example, “in search of” posts, lost and found posts, jokes and news aren't allowed.
• Selling services (example: house cleaning) on Marketplace isn't allowed. 
• The photos of the item must match the description and title of the listing; otherwise, the listing will be pulled. 
• Selling animals isn't allowed on Marketplace or buy and sell groups. This includes posting about animals for adoption.
• Healthcare-related items aren't allowed (so yes, that includes those COVID-19 at-home test kits).
• Before and after pictures; Items for sale on Facebook can't show a before and after picture (example: before and after photos to show a weight loss product).

I’m sure you’ve seen posts like this all over Facebook, but at least now you know not to make the same mistake…or you know, to take the risk anyone knowing it could land you in the Facebook slammer.