The original payment is fraudulent. By the time your bank realizes the check is fake or the transfer was stolen, you’ve already sent your own real money to the scammer. The "Fake Shipping" or "Escrow" Scam (Buyer Targeted)
Explain how to on specific platforms like eBay or Facebook Provide a checklist for vetting a seller before you meet up buying and selling scam format
They tell you they are sending a Google verification code to your phone and ask you to read it back to them. The Ask: You provide the six-digit code. The original payment is fraudulent
You are directed to a professional-looking website to "deposit" the funds until the item arrives. The Ask: You provide the six-digit code
The convenience of online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay has revolutionized how we shop. However, it has also created a playground for sophisticated fraudsters. Today’s scams aren’t just "bad luck"—they are carefully scripted "formats" designed to exploit human psychology.