With the growing popularity of Online Marketplace, scams have increased, targeting unsuspecting buyers and sellers. One such scam recently gained attention is the Zelle Facebook Marketplace scam.
What Is The Zelle Facebook Marketplace Scam?
Zelle is a popular Digital Payment service that allows users to send and receive money quickly and easily through their bank’s mobile app. It has become a preferred payment method for many people using online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace. This payment method, however, has been exploited by scammers.
How the Zelle Facebook Marketplace Scam Works
The Zelle Facebook Marketplace scam typically works as follows: A seller lists an item for sale on Facebook Marketplace, and a potential buyer expresses interest in purchasing the item. The buyer then asks the seller if they accept payment through Zelle. The seller agrees, and the buyer sends the payment through Zelle.
After your payment has been received, Zelle notifies you that it is pending. Seller ships item to buyer after believing that payment is legitimate. However, the buyer then claims that they never received the item or that it was damaged and requests a refund.
The seller agrees to Refund the payment, but when they do so, they realize that the Zelle payment has been reversed or canceled. It means that the money they thought they never received came through, and they are now out of both the item sold and the money thought they had.
How To Avoid Zelle Facebook Marketplace Scam
There are several ways to avoid falling victim to the Zelle Facebook Marketplace scam:
Use A Secure Payment Method: Instead of using Zelle, consider using a more secure payment method such as PayPal or a credit card. These payment methods offer more protection for buyers and sellers and are less susceptible to fraud.
Verify Buyer’s Identity: Verify their identity before agreeing to sell an item to a buyer. Ask for their full name and phone number, and do a quick Google search to see if there are any red flags.
Be Wary Of Unusual Requests: If a buyer asks you to use a payment method you’re unfamiliar with or to ship an item to an unusual location, it’s best to be cautious and consider it a potential scam.
Wait To Ship Until Payment Has Cleared: It’s important to wait until you have received the payment and it has fully cleared before shipping an item to a buyer. Your payment will be validated and you won’t be scammed.
Don’t Give Out Personal Information: Never give out personal information such as your social security number or bank account information to a buyer or seller on Facebook Marketplace. This information can be used for identity theft or other fraudulent activity.
What To Do If You Fall Victim To The Zelle Facebook Marketplace Scam
If you do fall victim to the Zelle Facebook Marketplace scam, there are several steps you can take:
Contact Zelle: Contact their customer support team immediately if you believe you have been scammed through Zelle. They may be able to reverse the transaction or provide other assistance.
Report The Scam To Facebook: Facebook has a dedicated team investigating scams and fraudulent activity on the platform. Immediately inform them of the scam so they can take the necessary action.
Contact Your Bank: If you used your bank’s mobile app to send or receive the Zelle payment, contact your bank and report the scam. They can help you recover your money or provide other assistance.
File A Police Report: If you believe that the scammer has committed a crime, such as theft or fraud, contact your local police department and file a report. It can help authorities track down.
