π Introduction
Hey awesome East Texas Electronics LLC clients! π Facebook is a social playground for billions, but it's also a hunting ground for scammers π±. Let's dive into how you can spot and avoid Facebook scams so you can scroll worry-free! π‘οΈ
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π Phone Number Authentication Scams
How it works:
Scammers might message you, asking for your phone number to "verify" your account π€. Once they have it, they could use it for identity theft or worse.
How to avoid it:
π Never give your phone number to strangers. Report suspicious accounts to Facebook immediately.
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πΈ Zelle/CashApp/PayPal Payment Scams
How it works:
Scammers may ask for payment through Zelle, CashApp, or PayPal and then vanish into thin air π¬οΈ.
How to avoid it:
π Use trusted payment methods and double-check seller or buyer credibility.
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π‘οΈ Insurance-Fee Scams
How it works:
They may ask for an upfront fee for insurance or shipping π¦. After you pay, they disappear.
How to avoid it:
π« Don't pay upfront fees to unknown sellers. Stick to reputable services.
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π¦ Mailing Items
How it works:
Scammers might ask you to mail an item before they pay πΈ. Once it's sent, they're gone.
How to avoid it:
π¬ Only ship items after receiving payment, and use a trusted shipping service.
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π Fake Rental Property Listings
How it works:
Fake listings might ask for a deposit or rent upfront π‘. Once you pay, they vanish.
How to avoid it:
π Only rent from reputable sources and never pay upfront without a signed lease and a property visit.
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π₯ Fake Accounts and How to Spot Them
How it works:
Scammers often create fake profiles to seem legit π€.
How to avoid it:
π΅οΈββοΈ Look for inconsistencies in profiles and report suspicious ones.
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π« Outside Payments
How it works:
They may ask you to make payments outside of Facebook Marketplace π.
How to avoid it:
π³ Stick to Facebook Marketplace for transactions and report anyone asking for outside payments.
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π° Offering to Pay More Than the Asking Price
How it works:
They might offer to pay more than the asking price to lure you in π£.
How to avoid it:
π€ If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to the listed price.
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π¨οΈ Google Voice Scams
How it works:
Scammers might contact you via Google Voice and disappear after payment π¨οΈ.
How to avoid it:
π Use trusted payment methods and report any suspicious activity to Google Voice.
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π Free Items That Are Too Good to Be True
How it works:
Free items that seem too good to be true usually are π.
How to avoid it:
π€ Be skeptical and never give out personal info for "free" items.
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π¨ How to Report Scams
If you spot a scam, report it ASAP by clicking the three dots on the post or message and following the prompts π¨.
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π± What to Do If You Have Been Scammed
- Report to Facebook π¨
- Contact your bank π¦
- Change all passwords π
- Monitor credit reports π
- Consider freezing your credit βοΈ
π¨βπ©βπ§ How You Can Help Protect Family and Loved Ones
Educate your circle on spotting scams and encourage them to be cautious π‘οΈ. Remind them to report suspicious activity and to stay vigilant π.
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π Conclusion π
Scammers are crafty, but you can be craftier π¦. Stick to reputable accounts, secure payment methods, and always be cautious with your personal info. Stay safe and enjoy all the good stuff Facebook has to offer! π