The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of individuals becoming victim to scams when dealing with Facebook online trading and selling sites. We are urging citizens to use caution with purchasing online, after receiving reports from victims who have tried to purchase items and never received them.

Unlike websites such as eBay there is no secure payment facility such as PayPal or feedback systems in place, which means it is up to buyers and sellers to agree on prices and payment methods.

Caution advised

People using these trade sites should exercise caution as it is possible for fraudsters to post pictures of items for sale that either do not exist or are counterfeit.

In some cases, fraudsters have been offering items for sale and demanding that payment is made by bank or wire transfer. When victims ask if payment can be made through PayPal, a variety of excuses are given as to why they cannot.

Victims have reported transferring money directly into fraudsters bank account, or to a pick up location such as Brookshire’s or Walmart.

Items never received 

In one report an out of town buyer purchased an item listed for sale and after wiring the payment to the seller, it was agreed that the item would be held for the buyer to pick up. When the buyer asked to meet the seller in person they were given an excuse as to why the seller couldn’t meet. The victim never received the item.

In another occasion, the seller then suggested if an item could be sent by recorded delivery with payment by bank transfer instead of cash. The buyer then transferred the money to the fraudsters bank account. The victim never received the item and the fraudster blocked their messages.

How to protect yourself 

• If someone’s message or profile looks suspicious, trust your instincts and walk away.
• Meet people face to face, beware if they refuse.
• Never transfer money directly into a sellers account without viewing the item in person first.
• Always carefully inspect items before purchasing.
• When purchasing smaller items, do the exchange in a public place such a local law enforcement agency.
• Beware of offers involving shipping.
• Watch for suspicious email or text messages.
• Use an online payment option such as PayPal, which helps to protect you.
• Do not accept cashiers/certified checks, money orders. If you deposit or cash a fake check, the bank will hold you responsible. Only consider this type of payment if meeting the buyer/seller at a bank for large transactions to verify payment.
• Don’t send money wires to people you don’t know.
• Refuse transactions with anyone who sends over-payment in advance.
• Avoid transactions requesting third-party escrow services.
• If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
• Never give out personal or financial information.
• Do not agree to background/credit checks unless you have met the landlord/employer in person.
• Facebook does not offer any buyer/seller guarantees or protection, anyone who claims to have such a guarantee is a scammer.