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Facebook Marketplace can offer fantastic deals, but it also poses a significant risk of falling victim to scams if you are not vigilant. Scammers increasingly use Facebook Marketplace as their hunting ground, and many make a living from fraudulent activities on this platform. Most people only realise they have been scammed when it is too late.
Scams can also occur in reverse, where you, as the seller, are deceived by someone pretending to purchase from you.
This happens when you rush to sell a product and fail to verify if you have received the payment.
Scammers may use counterfeit banknotes or fake proof of payment.
EXAMPLE OF A RECENT CASE RECEIVED:
One of our clients recently sold their PlayStation on Marketplace but did not receive payment.
The buyer informed her they would send a driver to pick up the PlayStation and then provided a manipulated proof of payment.
The buyer also presented identification, which was later found to be stolen.
SAFETY MEASURES TO PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN BUYING:
Research the seller:
Before making a purchase, research the seller's Facebook profile.
Look for positive reviews, a history of successful transactions, and a reputable presence on the platform.
Communicate through Facebook Messenger:
Use Facebook Messenger to communicate with the seller rather than switching to other messaging platforms.
This ensures that all communication is recorded within the Facebook platform for reference.
Verify the item:
Request detailed photos and information about the item from the seller.
Verify its condition, specifications, and authenticity before agreeing to the purchase.
Meet in a public place:
Always arrange to meet the seller in a well-lit, public place with plenty of foot traffic.
Avoid secluded areas or private residences to minimise the risk of encountering unsafe situations.
Bring a friend:
Whenever possible, bring a friend or family member to the meeting.
Having another person present will provide additional security and peace of mind.
Inspect the item thoroughly:
Before finalising the transaction, carefully inspect the item in person to ensure that it matches the description provided by the seller.
Test electronic devices, examine clothing for damage, and check for discrepancies.
Trust your instincts:
If something feels off or suspicious during the transaction, trust your instincts and reconsider proceeding with the purchase.
It is better to err on the side of caution than to risk your safety.
Exchange payment securely:
Avoid carrying large sums of cash when meeting sellers.
Choose secure payment methods, such as cashless transactions through Facebook Marketplace, PayPal, or other digital payment platforms.
Get a receipt or confirmation:
Obtain a receipt or confirmation of the transaction from the seller.
This document should include the item purchased, the agreed-upon price, and both parties' contact information.
Report suspicious activity:
If you encounter suspicious behaviour or scams on Facebook Marketplace, report it to Facebook immediately.
This helps protect other users from potential harm and maintains the platform's integrity.
Leave feedback on ‘Feedback’:
After completing the transaction, consider leaving feedback for the seller on Facebook Marketplace.
This helps build transparency and accountability in the community.
Maintain personal privacy:
Protect your personal information and privacy during transactions.
Avoid sharing sensitive details such as your home address or financial information unless absolutely necessary.
SAFETY MEASURES TO PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN SELLING:
Create a detailed listing:
Provide accurate and detailed information about the item in your listing, include clear photos and disclose any known issues.
Communicate only through your preferred social media platform, such as Facebook:
Always be cautious of buyers who try to communicate through external email or messaging services.
Conduct a video call and record/screenshot the interaction.
Set a safe meeting location:
Choose a public and safe location for the transaction during daylight hours in a busy area.
A SAPS police station of your choice is optimum.
Do not pre-disclose the location too early, as this might allow criminals to make prior criminal arrangements.
Bring a friend or family member:
Have someone with you during the meeting and share the details of the meeting with a friend or family member.
Have this companion take video footage of the entire interaction, from the details of the vehicle to the finalisation of the one-on-one transaction.
Have your buyer do the same.
Test drive precautions:
If you are selling a vehicle, ensure the buyer has a valid driver's license before allowing a test drive, and accompany the buyer during the test drive.
Secure payment:
Prefer secure payment methods.
Transfer documentation properly:
Provide a bill of sale and transfer the title to the buyer.
Complete any required paperwork according to your local regulations.
Criminals often use fake identities and forged documents to deceive their targets.
They may also try to change meeting locations at the last minute to avoid detection or being caught in a setup.
Be cautious with online payments, as they can be quickly reversed.
If you receive a payment, transfer it to a secure account immediately to prevent scammers from retracting the transaction.
Always trust your instincts.
If something feels too good to be true, it likely is.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Group.
This group is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
HOW TO JOIN THE MIKE BOLHUIS DAILY PROJECTS WHATSAPP GROUP:
Follow the link to our WhatsApp group:
"JOIN" to ensure you never miss our daily updates.
You will receive automatic notifications as soon as a new project is posted.
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.
POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv
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I will be happy if we got that huge money of us we are so brokendown with these ef company plz give me R348000