Ryan Fleming – On the Beat
Facebook Marketplace has become the go-to spot for locals looking to buy or sell everything from second-hand couches to kids’ bikes.
Ryan Fleming
It’s convenient, free, and often full of great deals. But behind the friendly chat bubbles and bargain prices lurk scammers who are becoming increasingly sophisticated – and increasingly local.
In a recent case a victim, who listed a coat for $100. Within hours, she was contacted by a buyer who claimed to be out of town but offered to pay via e-transfer. The buyer sent her a link to complete the payment, which looked legitimate. But instead of depositing money, the link allowed the buyer to withdraw $700 from the victims account. By the time she realised what had happened, the buyer had deleted all messages and vanished.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Scammers are now impersonating trusted services like NZ Post, sending fake links that mimic official websites. Sellers are tricked into entering their bank details, believing they’re confirming a payment. In reality, they’re handing over access to their accounts.
As a community constable, I’ve seen the frustration and financial loss these scams cause. What’s worse is that many victims feel embarrassed and don’t report it. But these scams are not your fault – they’re calculated, manipulative, and designed to catch even the cautious off guard.
So how do we protect ourselves?
- Meet in person in a public place – preferably during daylight hours.
- Use cash or secure payment methods like PayPal’s Goods and Services.
- Avoid clicking on payment links sent by buyers or sellers.
- Check profiles for signs of fake accounts – new profiles, no friends, or generic photos.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
- Buy the seller. This means doing some due diligence on the seller. Check their Facebook account. If it is a new account? Do they claim to be local but know anything about the area? If this is the case, walk away from the purchase.
Facebook Marketplace can still be a great tool for our community – but only if we stay informed and alert. If you’ve been scammed, report it to Police. Your story might help prevent the next one.
