This week, the Kent Police Department released the following “Scam Alert” regarding social media:
BE SAFE SELLING & BUYING ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS
Scammers are using social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace to take advantage. There are ways to protect yourself and your bank account from fraud. Please read and share.
#1 is crucial – Keep Communication In-Platform:
Communicate only through the platform’s messenger (Facebook Messenger/Craigslist email etc) to keep your phone number and email private.
Meet in Safe Zones:
Choose public, high-traffic locations with security cameras, such as police station parking lots, bank lobbies, or busy shopping centers.
Don’t Go Alone:
Bring a friend or family member with you and inform someone of the meeting time and location.
Screen Buyers/Sellers:
Check profiles for longevity and activity. Be cautious of new, blank, or suspicious accounts.
Protect Personal Information:
Never share your address, banking details, or personal information. Only give out a meeting location. Beware the chatty person who is winding personal questions into your business transaction.
Payment Safety:
Prioritize cash payments to avoid digital scams. If using payment apps (Venmo/Cash App), verify receipt of funds in the app before letting the seller/buyer leave.
Spot Scams:
Beware of overpayment requests, buyers/sellers who cannot meet in person, or those wanting to send a third party for pickup/selling. DO NOT use or accept wire transfers, gift cards or checks.
Trust Your Gut:
If a buyer/seller seems rushed, pushy, evasive, or just plain sketch, walk away from the sale.
For Large Items (Furniture, etc.):
IF you must sell or buy a large item from a person’s home, conduct the transaction on the porch, lawn or open garage. Never allow strangers inside your home or go inside a stranger’s home. Both parties should have someone present with them.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES FOR BUYERS
Inspect Before Paying:
Physically check the item, ensure it works as described, and meet the seller in person before exchanging funds. Use cash or secure, in-person payment apps (like Zelle or Venmo) only after inspecting the item.
Avoid Prepayment:
Never send money or a deposit to “hold” an item before seeing it. THIS IS A COMMON SCAM.
ADDITIONAL RED FLAGS
Too Good to Be True:
Items priced significantly lower than market value, or buyers willing to pay significantly over market value are often indications of fraud.
Rushed Communication:
Scammers will often pressure you to act quickly.
Moving Off-Platform to Communicate:
Sellers/buyer demanding to move conversation to text or email immediately are often scammers.
Refusal to Meet:
Sellers/buyers who refuse to meet in person or in a public, safe, neutral area.
ADVICE for Specific Items:
Electronics/High-Value: Test electronics on-site.
Child Safety Items: Avoid buying used car seats, as their safety history (crashes) cannot be verified.
Medicine/Vitamins: DO NOT purchase medicine. There is no way to ensure it is not tainted or counterfeit.
“Slow down, practice safe habits and when it doubt, take a hard pass,” police said in a statement.
