09/27/2026
🚨 SCAM ALERT: Facebook Marketplace Scams
The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to use caution when buying or selling items through Facebook Marketplace and other online marketplaces. Scammers may use fake listings, fraudulent payments, and misleading messages to steal your money or personal information.
Common Marketplace Scams:
Scammers may advertise items that don’t exist, request deposits or full payment before meeting, or claim an item must be shipped after payment. Sellers can also be targeted by scammers who send fake payment confirmations, claim they accidentally overpaid, or request verification codes or personal information.
Scammers may also try to move conversations away from Facebook Messenger and pressure you to communicate by text, email, or another platform. Be especially cautious of requests for payment through Zelle, Cash App, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other methods that may be difficult to reverse.
Remember:
● Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, especially unusually low prices on high-value items.
● Avoid sending deposits or advance payments for items you have not seen or verified.
● Never provide verification codes, passwords, or sensitive personal or financial information to a buyer or seller.
● Don’t rely on screenshots or emails claiming a payment was sent. Verify that the money has actually been deposited into your account.
● Be suspicious if someone pressures you to act quickly, sends unexpected links, asks you to pay additional fees, or wants to move the conversation off the marketplace.
● When possible, inspect items in person before paying and arrange to meet in a safe, public location.
● If something about a buyer, seller, listing, or payment doesn’t seem right, slow down and verify before taking action.
PLEASE SHARE this information with family and friends, especially those who may be more vulnerable to online scams.
When in doubt, don’t send the money. Stop, verify, and protect yourself.
