FACEBOOK users are being warned over a dangerous message that could rinse your bank account.
Anyone could be caught out by the devastating missive – and potentially see scammers walk away with your cash.
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Billions of people use Facebook each month, so it’s a hotbed for scammers.
Now TikTok star @davidregalado_fw has shared an urgent warning over easy-to-fall-for Facebook Marketplace scams.
Crooks use some sneaky social engineering to trick you into sending possessions – or even money.
David warned: “I saw a guy fall for this with some camera equipment on TikTok.”
Initially, a scammer might contact you asking about a product.
But instead of contacting you through Facebook Marketplace, they message you personally on the Facebook Messenger app.
Then they’ll ask if you accept Zelle payments – Zelle is a popular payment app.
If you agree, they’ll send you a scam email that appears as if you’ve been paid.
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But no money has actually been sent.
This means you’ll end up sending an item without actually receiving any payment.
The scam can also work in reverse, where the crook can send you a scam email saying that your payment for an item wasn’t accepted.
This is an attempt to trick you into repeating the payment.
Never respond to these fraudulent messages.
Instead keep communications inside the official Facebook Marketplace channels, and don’t be tempted to pay using suspicious methods.
Always be cautious when buying or selling products online.
Facebook has its own systems that let you purchase through the app.
You can use a credit card, debit card or PayPal account to buy Marketplace items.
“Don’t transfer money directly into a seller’s bank account,” Meta-owned Facebook warns.
“Instead, offer to use a secure person-to-person payment site, such as PayPal or sending and receiving money in Messenger.
“If you choose to pay electronically using wire transfer or money order solutions, avoid payment links and log in directly through the payment method’s website.
“If you see any signs of suspicious activity, immediately cancel the transaction, report the listing or person, and call the local authorities if necessary.”
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
