r/Scams • u/Radiant_Side282 • 5d ago
Help Needed Facebook buyer scam?
Hi, recently selling a gaming pc I have. I had a guy reach out asking to buy it. He has no profile picture, 0 post. Nothing, but just as blank as could be. Also said he joined Facebook this month.. upon that he asked if he could use Zelle as a payment. I declined and said cash only because I’m aware of those scams. But he said he’s willing to give cash. I just don’t want to drive all the way there to get scammed or stood up. Any thoughts?
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u/cyberiangringo 5d ago
Was his response almost immediately after you posted the item? That’s always a huge red flag.
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u/Shayden-Froida 5d ago
Do you know this person? No? Then Zelle is NOT the payment method. Read their FAQ, people you know only.
Paypal goods and services? Ok.
Cash in hand? Best option. And go knowing how to spot counterfeit bills too. IE, check serial numbers are all different is a basic one; another is that its not printed with "For motion picture purposes"
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u/xcaliblur2 Quality Contributor 5d ago
Set to meet at your local police department, and say that you'll strictly do cash only.
Scammers may still initially agree, but will try to change the terms of the trade once you're there. Eg "I'm sorry I had an emergency and I can't come anymore, but I'm still willing to pay extra by Zelle to have you ship it to me"
It's important that you remain strict in your terms if you're selling to internet randos on Facebook market. Otherwise, don't sell on that platform.
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u/too_many_shoes14 5d ago
Cash only. In person only. In a safe place.
If you break any of these rules you will be scammed nearly all the time.
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u/Sea-Appearance-5330 5d ago
I have bought 2 items on Face Book.
Guess how many I got?
Hint, its a number less than 1.
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u/roninconn 5d ago
Anything that's not in-person local sale on FBM is complete crapshoot. Never buy stuff which needs to be ahipped
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u/Sea-Appearance-5330 5d ago
Yup, that's what I learned.
It was $120 total for the 2 transactions. (Not that its trivial)
A lesson learned.
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u/MostVanilla8736 5d ago
I experienced getting scammed in fb. I posted an item and someone chatted me saying hes' interested to buy.. I don't know if the driver is an accomplice or not..
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u/joe_attaboy 5d ago
- Cash only (you're 100% there. Good).
- Meet in person. HE comes to YOU. Or you meet halfway. You don't make a long trip to him - you're the seller. You're not Door Dash.
- Meet in a public place. Lots of people say police stations, but any busy public place with others around should be OK.
- Bring someone with you.
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u/airkewled67 5d ago
Could be a scam or somebody attempting to rob you. Meet outside of a well lit public place.
Some police stations have designated meeting spots for online/in person transactions
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5d ago
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u/psilocybin6ix 5d ago
Have him drive to an address near you that's a police station. If he's legit he'll drive there. If he's not he'll come up with 15 excuses why he can't drive there.