The Becker County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind everyone to use caution when purchasing products or services on social media. Scammers are taking advantage of others by changing their usernames and profile pictures to impersonate real app users.
Here is an example of a current Facebook Marketplace scam:
HOW THE SCAM WORKS: A scammer may ask you to put down a deposit or send payment in advance using your Venmo or Cash App accounts to secure your spot. But they’ll take your money and give you nothing in return.
HOW TO AVOID GETTNG SCAMMED: Never agree to pay for an item before you receive it. If the seller continues pressuring you or implies it’s urgent that you pay in advance, it’s probably a scam.
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO SPOT SCAMMERS:
- Be skeptical of listings for products or services that seem too good to be true. Check the profile of the seller. Often, you’ll see the same listing posted many times in different areas.
- If you’re selling something and are asked to text and then are asked for a verification code, do not give it to them.
- Check when the account was created, how many pictures the person has, where they say they are located, how many friends they have. Facebook profiles that have a lack of information are often scam accounts.
If you do fall victim, change your Google password or whichever password may have been compromised as soon as possible. Google also has an option to sign out all devices.
Respectfully,
Becker County Sheriff’s Office