Posted On: April 4, 2025 by Austin Bank in: Fraud Alert
Be on Guard against Social Media Marketplace Scams
Shopping on marketplace sites (Etsy, Amazon, eBay) can be a fun way to find unique gifts. However, it is okay to question the integrity of the individual you are buying from and the item posted.
Here are three things to consider when making marketplace purchases:
- Check if the seller has an established profile and positive reviews.
- Ask for more information or a second photo of the item.
- If buying locally, meet at a safe, public place during the day. Bring a friend, if possible.
Remember, a few precautions can go a long way to ensure a happy shopping experience.
Don't Pay for Followers
It’s not uncommon for someone with a social media account to receive a direct message from a company claiming that they can get you more followers . . . for a price. Most of the time, this is a scam. Scammers will ask you to enter your bank account information or sign up for a subscription on a suspicious payment page. This often results in financial loss or identity theft. These scam accounts often have low follower counts, strange profile pictures, and use lots of emojis in their messages. Stay alert, and don’t sign up for a service through a direct message on social media.
Beware Mirror Accounts
Watch out for mirror accounts posing as other accounts. Often these accounts will ask for information or invite you to sign up for a fake giveaway where they may steal your personal information. Look out for misspelled usernames, a suspiciously low follower count, and fishy bios. Report fake accounts.
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