How a Marketplace Scam Led Strangers to Our Door

SCAM ALERT: How Facebook Marketplace Scammers Are Targeting Local Homes!

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IDCARE clients have recently fallen victim to a troubling Facebook Marketplace scam. Here’s how it works:

1. Scammers Post Fake Listings: Scammers create fake listings for high-value items on Facebook Marketplace.

2. Deposit Requests: When someone shows interest, the scammer asks for a deposit to mark the item as "pending" or to "secure" it.

3. Local Address Targeting: Instead of giving a real address, the scammer uses a nearby address to direct the interested party.

4. Visitors Arrive at the Wrong Address: The person who showed interest ends up showing up at a completely unrelated home, often demanding the item or asking why they were sent there. Meanwhile, they’ve already lost their deposit.

5. Confusion and Disruption: Both the innocent homeowner and the buyer are left confused and disrupted. The homeowner has nothing to do with the sale and is bewildered by unexpected visitors, while the buyer is left out of pocket and frustrated.

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Protect Yourself:

- Verify Listings: Always double-check the authenticity of items and sellers.

- Never Send Deposits: Be cautious if asked for money upfront.

- Check Addresses: Confirm the address directly with the seller.