Huge Facebook mistake you must NEVER make – it’s spreading like wildfire
IF you're selling stuff on Facebook Marketplace watch out for a nasty trick that's conning people out of money.
Fraudsters have come up with a cunning money-maker by asking for collection via FedEx or UPS.
They start by making out they're busy.
"OK I take it but I would like to come tomorrow but I am busy with work at the moment," the scam usually begins.
"I'll send a UPS letter carrier to your home to give you your money in cash and collect the item."
The problem is, delivery firms like Fedex and UPS don't even offer such services.
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But the scam gets weirder when they ask you to pay for insurance of the envelope that's supposedly carrying your cash payment.
They claim that it's necessary from the delivery provider.
They promise to leave the additional amount to cover the cost in the envelope.
To reel victims in further, the fraudster will ask for your email address.
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They'll use this to send you a fake email pretending to be from the delivery company where you need to deposit the insurance money.
It'll include things like a fake tracking number - this is just to make look like the real deal.
But if you pay them, no envelope will ever arrive.
And should you get suspicious and refuse, things can turn nasty.
The perpetuator may start off with the sympathy card, saying they'll lose money because the delivery order can't be cancelled.
This can even lead to threats if you keep refusing.
The scam has actually been going on for a while now but Facebook Marketplace sellers say it's still happening.
Buying safely from Facebook Marketplace
It's always best to meet in person when buying or selling on Facebook Marketplace.
Ensure it's a public meeting spot that's in a well-lit area.
Avoid payment links and log in directly through the payment method's website.
Most sellers prefer to deal with cash directly when meeting to ensure it's legit.
Spotting a scammer on Facebook Marketplace
It's always a good idea to take a look at the person’s profile as this could have some tell-tale signs.
Check the date the account was created.
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Facebook launched in the UK in 2005, so most people will have accounts that date a few years back.
If the account contacting you was created very recently (in the past few weeks or months), you should approach with caution as this could show that it has specifically been created to scam innocent people.
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