10/15/2026
🚨 Facebook Marketplace Safety Reminder
Recently, a Harvard resident selling his vehicle through Facebook Marketplace became the victim of a larceny after the buyer presented a counterfeit bank check. Thanks to the hard work and persistence of our detective, the stolen vehicle was located and recovered in Brockton.
This incident is an important reminder to take precautions when buying or selling online:
• Bank checks can be counterfeit. A check labeled “cashier’s check” or “bank check” does not guarantee that it is legitimate. These checks can look convincing.
• Money appearing in your account does not prove a check is good. Your bank may make funds available before discovering a counterfeit check, which can take weeks. You could be responsible for repaying that money.
• Verify payment before handing over your property. For a vehicle sale, consider meeting at the issuing bank during business hours to verify the check directly with bank staff before releasing the vehicle, keys, or title. Find the bank’s contact information independently rather than relying on a number printed on the check or supplied by the buyer.
• Never accept an overpayment and send back the difference. Requests to refund extra money or pay a transporter or another third party are common scam tactics.
• Do not let anyone rush you. Pressure to complete a sale immediately, last minute payment changes, or resistance to verification are reasons to stop the transaction.
• Keep records. Save the listing, buyer’s profile, messages, and payment information. If you suspect fraud, contact your bank and police promptly.
📍 The Harvard Police Department has an Internet Exchange Safe Zone under camera surveillance 24 hours a day. We encourage residents to use this location when meeting someone for an online transaction. A safer meeting location is valuable, but verifying payment remains essential.
Take your time, ask questions, and walk away if something does not feel right.
