Consider this: You are shopping on Facebook marketplace and come across a high-end gaming console for only $250, well below the $500 retail value.
You reach out to the seller, and they explain that it was recently purchased, but they need to sell some things to prepare to relocate. Then the seller explains that they are in another state at the moment but would be happy to ship it. They are getting lots of inquiries so it is best to move quickly if you want it.
They ask for the $250 via a payment app and explain that they will send a tracking number when they ship it out. Several days pass and the package never comes. You check the seller’s profile, and discover it has disappeared.
So, what happened? A scammer has made a fake item listing and created a deal that is just tempting enough for those looking for a bargain to reach out. Scammers often prefer wire requests or payment apps because the transactions are difficult to reverse or trace. The sense of urgency surrounding the sale helps cloud the buyer’s judgement.
Tips to avoid becoming a victim of that scam include:
- Always meet the buyer in person, generally in a public space, such as your local police department
- Avoid deals where the items need to be shipped
- Be skeptical of to-good-to-be-true offers
- Research the seller and check out their profile
- Trust your instincts, especially if you are being pressured to buy quickly
Read more about marketplace scams from the bbb.org/article/scams/14168-scam-alert-shoppers-beware-of-facebook-marketplace-cons
If you are a MVSB customer and you are concerned you sent money in response to a scam, please call us directly at 800.922.6872.