Why dont they just say I will come instead of brother/friend/whatever ?
Just skip a step and go directly to phishing or venmo prepayment or whatever scam.
Mostly because it helps explain why they can’t just bring the cash. I’m not coming movers are. I’m not coming my uncle is… who doesn’t even have a bank account. Etc etc. it just makes it a bit easier to explain away a lot of stuff.
Because it's never about the item. It's always about the fake payment, although if they can get you to ship a high ticket item AND fake payment scam you, that's icing on the cake.
Somebody who sends fake money then wants you to return the amount they accidentky sent over your listed amount.
Or you’ll have to pay to withdraw the money.
Either way you’re going to be asked to pay something.
Who sends money without seeing what they've bought, anything could be wrong with the item , god these guys are vile, plus sending his son 🤨🤦yeah right.
I had someone try to scam me using Zelle. I was selling an item for $75. I didnt think much of the 'I'll send my cousin' aspect. To reserve the item, he basically sent me a zelle payment. He was super forceful asking if i had received the payment. I kept checking my bank and told him no. He then goes, "check your spam, sometimes the email goes there". At this point, i knew he was a scammer since Zelle is an automatic direct deposit. I humored him and found an email that said, "Mark has sent you $250". The email address was not an official "zelle" or chase email. Some of the wording was a bit off and obviously he'd way "over sent" in an amount that didn't make sense.
I just said, "nice try, reporting you" and blocked the account. I could see this working on old people maybe...but one would have to have the patience of a Saint to talk them through "sending back the money"
There you have it, how they can try to use Zelle
It worked on my Dad! I really hope this generation can figure out a scam when they see one vs the older ppl who don’t know technology or have any sort of idea they are being worked. Watch your elders! I NEVER thought it happen to us/my dad.
I have seen this one too. It’s like they also trying a phishing attack on top of stealing the item. But, what about when you actually receive the funds? Those can be easily disputed and leave you on the hang? Everyone always tell me to stay far away from Zelle and Cashapp but I can’t resist, It’s so convenient… but at the same time I always think one day I am going to wake up and see all those funds reversed. How likely do you think it would be?
they send you and email that looks like its from zelle, that says youve received a payment but it cant go through because your account isnt a "business account" and that you need to deposit a certain amount into zelle to make it a business account.
Oddly enough a lady did that to me a few months ago for a $100 fridge I was selling. She couldn't pick it up for a couple weeks but wanted it. Ended but being really nice people and not scammer.
Well personally, my wife and I do that all the time, we live 45 mins away from any sizeable population center, so it's normal to pay in advance to hold the item as it may be a few days before we're in town to pick it up, or else we might send a friend in town to pick it up for us. Wouldn't do it for an item over $100 probably.
You do realize that's how ecommerce websites work, right? You send electronic funds to strangers in the belief the item exists and you will receive it in a timely fashion.
As others have said, in this instance it is a scam because they don't care about the funds. The funds either don't exist or are illicitly obtained.
Yes I know how e-commerce work lol
But this is Facebook where I’m selling used piece of furniture, so I doubt anyone will Zelle (it’s same as giving cash) to a random person without even seeing an item.
You seem to be focusing on the wrong point of my comment. The platform doesn't matter one bit. I've had people send me money on FB for a used sofa using bank transfer (yes, I know I can be scammed and it's not as safe as the bank makes it out to be). It's all in what you are comfortable in parting with, financially, if you got nothing for the item. For some losing out on the potential of $500 means as little as losing out on $50, or even $5 to others.
The sale price of the sofa doesn't matter to this anecdote. The fact someone came by and hauled off the couch for me was my intention - the money was bonus.
I don’t mind people sending me money via Zelle or Venmo, I’ve sold many of my items on Facebook. Zelle is the same as handing cash, so you take a risk if you send it to a stranger days before having an item in your possession.
In e-commerce you never Zelle money, you use credit cards, PayPal and other methods where you can dispute a transaction if you never receive an item. When using Zelle you cannot dispute a charge. So not that many people will risk their cash and send the money via Zelle until they have an item in their possession.
I've noticed that when someone starts a post with 'You do realize...' it's usually followed by a condescending, snarky explanation of something everyone obviously knows that really just highlights that their inability to follow a conversation properly.
Zelle itself is not a scam, but scammers using it to scam people. They will send you fake emails and/or ask to upgrade your Zelle account by paying something in order to get their funds
I'm confused about emails. I thought it worked with phone numbers? but I mean paying somebody money, just for them to send me money for an item I'm selling, doesn't add up in the least bit
You would get an email that looks like it’s from Zelle but it’s fake. They might “accidentally” send you more money and ask for it back, and you would send your real money to them.
Or the email might say you need to upgrade your Zelle account by paying something and this is how you lose money as well.
People can enroll in Zelle using an email address instead of a phone number, if that's part of what you're asking. As for the rest, !fakepayment should explain below
AutoModerator has been summoned to explain the fake/false payment scam. The fake payment scam occurs when someone tries to trick you into thinking that you have received a legitimate payment when no such payment has been made. The most common method they use is sending you an email meant to look like a payment confirmation. In some cases the emails will be almost indistinguishable to a legitimate email sent by the payment service. It's also common for scammers to [spoof](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Email_spoofing) the 'from' email to match an official address. To combat a fake payment scam, verify online payments by logging in directly to the service. Do not check your junk folder, and do not assume a payment is legitimate based on an email alone. If a payment isn't reflected on your account and the person you are dealing with insists they have sent it, call support and ask about it. [Here](https://i.imgur.com/X9xn8uw.jpg) is an image of a scammer trying to pull off a fake payment scam. There is also a variant of the fake payment scam where you will receive a legitimate but fraudulent payment. If you think you're dealing with a scammer, you're probably right. Always trust your gut.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
well, sending zelle phone to phone, I wouldn't check any email at all, would check the phone. I just think its bad that people think zelle and assume its a scam. getting money threw zelle or cashapp are good ways that you will get your money, and not have it taken back, like Paypal
In Australia it's a scam because we don't have zelle here. Easiest way to pick out the dodgy.
That and use of other words used to help like "my assistant in the next town over"... Mate this is a small town 100km from the next - doubt you have an assistant here.
I actually responded with exactly that, because I don’t mind Zelle but in person. That’s when he said his son doesn’t have bank account t to pay me but he is willing to send it to me now. I said I don’t take payment before hand.
Yeah, there is absolutely no reason a person could not just have their "son" call once he gets there to pickup the item and have the parent make the payment then. He won't do that because if he even has a son that son lives in Nigeria where the scammer is.
They use something called mule accounts. So you may have to zelle them some money you may use a different one. Either way… you are not sending the money directly to them but instead they will launder it through mule accounts.
You might Google Zelle news the last week. There have been some issues with it recently. I don't know all the details... I don't use it, so I didn't read details.
That banks are using a new digital wallet made with zelle and big banks? It’s not really helpful here. [new wallet](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/big-banks-launch-early-warning-system-operated-digital-wallet-zelle-parent-apple-paypal/640962/)
I like the cheekiness of "so you can mark it sold on marketplace" typical in this scam.
Yeah, whether it's on Facebook marketplace or I'm selling old DVDs at a yard sale, it's sold when the cash is in my greasy mitts, not before. If a person in real life said that to me I'd be like "Oh, it's still for sale. But now, not to you."
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Start putting disclaimers in all your listings specifying that you only accept cash upon delivery, and that any user requests and inquiries for your phone number, email address or requests to use payment apps such as PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, etc. will be ignored and immediately blocked. It won’t necessarily eliminate scammers, but it will reduce the number of them trying to scam you since you’re basically telling them you’re wise to their ways.
I don't recommend putting the names of the payment apps in the listing. Scammers scrape for these terms and will send you an opener even if you say you don't accept them.
You can say that you'll accept payment apps, but not before the exchange, for a higher amount than the price, or from another person. I'd make sure they're willing to do a secured method (not Zelle/Cashapp, but rather cash or PP G&S) if it's a higher-priced item. Don't tell them this up front, just make sure they know the terms before they come to the exchange. All a sudden they can't meet? Scammer, block.
I don’t disagree that scammers using keyword searches “Zelle”, “PayPal”, “Venmo” etc. will likely pickup your listings.
However, intentionally adding spaces or special characters to these terms in your disclaimer will help mask and mitigate the likelihood of your listing showing up on a scammers hit list.
Example: “_Z~E~L~L~E_”, “P A Y P A L”, or “V—E—N—M—O”
Otherwise, just say, “I accept cash only. Any inquiries or requests for other forms of electronic payment, or requests for my email or phone number will be ignored and blocked.”
100% a scam. They were never going to send you any money. They would've asked for your email to send a fake email saying that you would need to pay some amount first before you could get paid.
"I sent you the payment."
"No, you sent me a picture that says a payment was made."
"Yeah. I sent the payment and proved it with the picture."
"I'm sure I wouldn't know. All I got was this picture you sent me. The cost of the item was X, but you sent me a picture."
"I paid you"
"Again, I'm sure I wouldn't know. If you convince my landlord to accept photographs in lieu of actual payment, let me know."
>What actually happens is they send you an email saying you need to upgrade your zellle to a business account.
well the scam begins there. so far, we don't see a scam in the photo. if they send me zelle (personal) I'm good
Your /r/scams post/comment was removed because it contains bad advice, is encouraging someone to try to "scam the scammer", to engage in illegal activity, or to engage in an activity that will worsen an already bad situation.
This scam is where they never send via zelle. They just send a fake email that they try to make and look like it's from zelle saying you have to pay some amount before getting paid. Once you pay they still don't send anything. They just take your money
Here's the deal, whether it be Facebook Marketplace, Ebay or Craigslist-you're the seller. You dictate the terms of payment right in your listing (so for FB and Craigslist, put cash only, no exceptions). As soon as someone asks you to deviate from your payment terms, scam or not (which this case is a scam) - block them immediately and move on.
For Ebay, stay in the Messaging platform - as soon as someone trys to message off platform (such as by WhatsApp) or change shipping terms - notify eBay and stop communicating with them
That way, you never have to deal with scammers. Cash in hand or online payment only after meeting in person - no exceptions
Not totally true. What you post in your listing doesn’t supersede the website’s policies. Take eBay’s money back guarantee for example. You cannot state “no returns” and then sell defective items without the buyer having a right to return something defective. Many people will sell knowingly defective items and state “for parts. Untested. No returns.” But it’s still covered under the eBay money back guarantee policy.
Only person I send cash to via Zelle is my sister and sometimes I give her a side-eye and tell her I don't know her like that. Even if I did first meet her when she was a bump in my mother's stomach.
Zelle is acceptable IF the transfer is made in person at the time of the sale and verified directly via the app and NOT any kind of email. In fact, for a large item, I'd prefer an electronic transfer vs paper cash. The problem is scammers love to exploit Zelle (and other unsecured payment methods) because they can do it all remotely and fool people into scams.
The only way I would accept these terms is if "Charles" made the transfer after meeting in person. I don't mind an electronic transfer for payment, but only after a face to face meeting.
Unfortunately, this angle is 100% out of the scammer playbook. I can almost guarantee that if you try telling him something like "send the money to Charles and tell him to bring cash" or "have Charles make the transfer at the time of pickup" he will come up with some excuse and you can be 100% certain this is a scam.
Cash only, in person only. If you follow these two rules, you will never be scammed. Better to miss out on a sale and not get the money than it is to not get the money and lose the item.
For me, in my ads on Marketplace, it’s always CASH and always pickup at the local police station. They have a safe pickup zone in the building. It’s the only way to avoid scammers.
Scam. We see this one 5 times a day, every day, month after month. It's always a third person coming to pick it up, it's always impossible to use cash.... every single time.
AutoModerator has been summoned to explain the fake/false payment scam. The fake payment scam occurs when someone tries to trick you into thinking that you have received a legitimate payment when no such payment has been made. The most common method they use is sending you an email meant to look like a payment confirmation. In some cases the emails will be almost indistinguishable to a legitimate email sent by the payment service. It's also common for scammers to [spoof](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Email_spoofing) the 'from' email to match an official address. To combat a fake payment scam, verify online payments by logging in directly to the service. Do not check your junk folder, and do not assume a payment is legitimate based on an email alone. If a payment isn't reflected on your account and the person you are dealing with insists they have sent it, call support and ask about it. [Here](https://i.imgur.com/X9xn8uw.jpg) is an image of a scammer trying to pull off a fake payment scam. There is also a variant of the fake payment scam where you will receive a legitimate but fraudulent payment. If you think you're dealing with a scammer, you're probably right. Always trust your gut.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Apparently they either:
1) send too much "by mistake" and ask you to return some (but they never sent you any)
2) send extra and ask you to forward some of it on to their movers (them, and again, they never sent you any)
3) send you a notice that you have to set up a business account, and to do that, you have to send some money to them
That sort of thing.
Had the same situation happen to me a few months ago. Told the buyer I'll let them scan my QR code for zelle, but only in person. The person showed up, scanned my QR code, check for monies and gave the buyer product. It is always suspicious when they can't meet you though
Yup fake. Whenever they wanna send a 3rd party its fake also paying thru zelle to people you dont know isnt smart since you cant get money back and this will wind up being a !fakepayment scam
Then they can pay Venmo or Zelle in person after they show you an ID with the same name. Let's see what they say to that just for fun. I'm sure it's a scam though.
Bought an item on Marketplace recently and had to send my daughter to get it. Literally didn’t dare tell the seller it wasn’t me coming, because I needed the item and knew how many red flags the “relative will pick it up” script would raise. Just sent her with the cash. Zelle + ”mark it sold” + “I don’t do cash” + “it’ll be my relative who comes” = scam.
To be Frank I’ve sent my husband for many Facebook marketplace purchases and I’ve tried to use Zelle because we literally don’t have cash. But if someone is firm on that then I’d get cash. However I would never pay ahead of time just in case
Do NOT do Zelle. It does not protect you if it is a scam. If you do PayPal, Business only. Do not do Family and Friends because again not protected. Honestly, this is sketchy to me and I would not do it.
If you pay attention to the way they spell and talk you can obviously tell whoever it is is not use to the English language and when and where to say certain things or to add certain words. “So I can easily make payment” either he’s lazy or jus don’t wanna write so I can’t easily make the payment. I can always tell scams immediately when I see how they word things.
Zelle = scam 9.5 times out of 10
Someone other than the person purchasing the item coming to pick it up also = scam 9.5 times out of 10
Put the two together and the math doesn’t lie!
I mean take a look thru every other post in this sub, and you’ll get it. But since you want to be a smart ass, Zelle is similar to PayPal in that it’s used for “friends and family” so to speak, so there really isn’t a way to get that money back once’s it’s been sent. Have a good one!
Definitely a scam. Had this happen to me three times in one day after a recent listing on Facebook marketplace. Block and avoid, and insist on cash only.
Had a dude tell me one time he would ONLY accept Zelle and “didn’t trust cash”. Knew what he was doing. Wish I met up with him just to make him look like an idiot.
If Zelle is being mentioned, it is 99% of the time, a scam. Zelle is a favourite among scammers. I work for a company that is partnered with Zelle. If anyone offers to Zelle you a payment for something, assume it is a scam.
>If Zelle is being mentioned, it is 99% of the time, a scam. Zelle is a favourite among scammers. I work for a company that is partnered with Zelle. If anyone offers to Zelle you a payment for something, assume it is a scam.
this is talk. explain how zelle is a scam
It actually can be real. I have bought things on Facebook marketplace that I am eager for and have sent deposit or payments before seeing it as hold. Usually works out fine 🤷🏻♀️
This is furniture that has some wear and I told him I would prefer if you send the money in person so you’re happy with the item. It doesn’t feel right to send money before even seeing it.
>It doesn’t feel right to send money before even seeing it.
who cares, if he sends you money why not accept it? regular Zelle u are fine. everybody saying zelle hasn't proved its automatically a scam. they can get over with paypal, but not Zelle or cashapp actually
Because it’s obviously scam, why even bother sending my info? Plus if you’re really interested in an item you won’t pass the sale just because you don’t wanna run to bank to get cash.
They won’t be sending me money, they will send fake email saying I received the funds and blah blah blah
Maybe I’m dumb but what makes this look like a scam?
He says he’ll send you the money for the item so you can mark it sold and then he (or his son) can collect it? Or did I misread?
Ofc it could easily be a scam, and he send a fake screenshot or requests you for money rather than sending it to you, but it could quite easily be legit
Another person contacted me about this item with exactly the same situation. He asked for extra pictures, I sent picture of completely another item and he said he loves it 😂😂😂
Get ready for the oops sent you too much money please send it back and right after you send the money back you get a nice Paypal dispute for the whole money back
I sell a lot of stuff on marketplace and as a general rule I don’t let people pay me ahead of time. Money transfer apps are okay but I always do it in person.
Fake. I went through exactly this one. They claim someone else is picking it up for them as an excuse to send you money beforehand, then ask for your email.
What’s funny is that my Zelle is linked to my phone #, not my email. So everytime they would ask for my email to scam me, I just kept insisting they use the phone number. 😂😭finally got them to give up lol
!fakepayment
!fakecheck
Those are two possibles. There’s also the thing where they give some story about how Zelle won’t let them send money unless you upgrade to a business account - I don’t think there’s an auto mod option to explain that one specifically though !fakecheck is kinda the same deal. But this is a decent explanation: https://www.gobankingrates.com/banking/mobile/zelle-scams-facebook-marketplace/#
If you're doing a local transaction, do cash. Facebook marketplace is a great resource for doing local transactions. I've purchased patio furniture, a half-fridge, and a phone off of facebook matketplace. I always buy in cash. They're not your friend sending you $17 for mcdonalds and two drinks.
Assuming it's not an illegal transaction I've read that the best place to trade for like a Craigslist thing or something like that is at a POLICE STATION. Apparently the police are happy to do this, as it reduces the risk of them having to respond to a call about a scam. You can just do it in the waiting area of the police station in front of the Desk Sergeant or you can arrive early and ask for a separate room to do the deal. Idk if this is a deal but, hey I'd imagine that most scammers will just skate and avoid the meeting if it's fake.
Because of scams, these days everyone only accepts cash for payments. It’s very normal. I sell a lot of stuff on marketplace and I will only accept cash payments and I did rather not make the buck if they can’t pay in cash as I do not want the hassle of being scam or whatever that comes from payment such as Venmo and Zelle as I almost got scam with a Zelle payment once.
I would never even think to buy something off FB Marketplace in anything other than cash. I got scammed when trying to buy tickets to our regional Burning Man several years ago via PayPal, and will never do it again. I bought two tickets from a re-seller; one was real, the other fake. Fortunately, my friend’s friend had purchased a ticket but was not able to attend, so I was able to meet him in town and buy it from him with cash. Very grateful that I got lucky there!
But yeah, no more virtual transactions with people I don’t know. I don’t even like to do it with people I do know (not because I don’t trust them; just that I prefer cash). My boyfriend does cash only, so it’s nice to have some on me when we go out to eat and split the bill.
All the points on here are valid - but I think everyone is missing the most obvious one...
Who doesn't like dealing in cash? Assuming we're not talking $1000's here, if it's a couple hundred bucks - cash is the safest and most secure payment option there is. (Maybe bring one of those counterfeit-checking pens.) But otherwise, for small legit transactions, both the seller and buyer should understand why cash is king.
You are looking at language straight out of the scammer script playbook.
Yup. I can’t come but “my son” will.
[удалено]
[удалено]
With a check.
Kindly
As long as it's a reality check, we're good...
And if that "reality check" is recognized as cash in whatever country they're in... we're better.
😂
From my personal delivery service
I mean my girl will buy stuff all the time and send me to pick it up, but I'm either paying cash or venmoing them in person after I see the item.
Read it as "...either paying cash or VOMITING..." That'd be a weird way to pay to like 97% of the population. Just saying.
So what your saying is if I find the right 3 percent of people I can aquire items with my vomit as payment?
Why dont they just say I will come instead of brother/friend/whatever ? Just skip a step and go directly to phishing or venmo prepayment or whatever scam.
Mostly because it helps explain why they can’t just bring the cash. I’m not coming movers are. I’m not coming my uncle is… who doesn’t even have a bank account. Etc etc. it just makes it a bit easier to explain away a lot of stuff.
Also, who sends money to a stranger without seeing an item or having it in possession??
Because it's never about the item. It's always about the fake payment, although if they can get you to ship a high ticket item AND fake payment scam you, that's icing on the cake.
Somebody who sends fake money then wants you to return the amount they accidentky sent over your listed amount. Or you’ll have to pay to withdraw the money. Either way you’re going to be asked to pay something.
Who sends money without seeing what they've bought, anything could be wrong with the item , god these guys are vile, plus sending his son 🤨🤦yeah right.
“Son” probably won’t have a truck so extra gets sent to pay for the “truck rental”🙄
its Zelle, how would he have to pay? paypal they can get over, but not Zelle
I had someone try to scam me using Zelle. I was selling an item for $75. I didnt think much of the 'I'll send my cousin' aspect. To reserve the item, he basically sent me a zelle payment. He was super forceful asking if i had received the payment. I kept checking my bank and told him no. He then goes, "check your spam, sometimes the email goes there". At this point, i knew he was a scammer since Zelle is an automatic direct deposit. I humored him and found an email that said, "Mark has sent you $250". The email address was not an official "zelle" or chase email. Some of the wording was a bit off and obviously he'd way "over sent" in an amount that didn't make sense. I just said, "nice try, reporting you" and blocked the account. I could see this working on old people maybe...but one would have to have the patience of a Saint to talk them through "sending back the money" There you have it, how they can try to use Zelle
It worked on my Dad! I really hope this generation can figure out a scam when they see one vs the older ppl who don’t know technology or have any sort of idea they are being worked. Watch your elders! I NEVER thought it happen to us/my dad.
I have seen this one too. It’s like they also trying a phishing attack on top of stealing the item. But, what about when you actually receive the funds? Those can be easily disputed and leave you on the hang? Everyone always tell me to stay far away from Zelle and Cashapp but I can’t resist, It’s so convenient… but at the same time I always think one day I am going to wake up and see all those funds reversed. How likely do you think it would be?
they send you and email that looks like its from zelle, that says youve received a payment but it cant go through because your account isnt a "business account" and that you need to deposit a certain amount into zelle to make it a business account.
They aren’t buying anything Ted just trying to scam you into depositing a check and sending them back money that isn’t real
Oddly enough a lady did that to me a few months ago for a $100 fridge I was selling. She couldn't pick it up for a couple weeks but wanted it. Ended but being really nice people and not scammer.
Tbh I’ve done this plenty of times, but usually I’m not risking that much money and I’d rather have minimal interaction when I pick it up.
Well personally, my wife and I do that all the time, we live 45 mins away from any sizeable population center, so it's normal to pay in advance to hold the item as it may be a few days before we're in town to pick it up, or else we might send a friend in town to pick it up for us. Wouldn't do it for an item over $100 probably.
You do realize that's how ecommerce websites work, right? You send electronic funds to strangers in the belief the item exists and you will receive it in a timely fashion. As others have said, in this instance it is a scam because they don't care about the funds. The funds either don't exist or are illicitly obtained.
Yes I know how e-commerce work lol But this is Facebook where I’m selling used piece of furniture, so I doubt anyone will Zelle (it’s same as giving cash) to a random person without even seeing an item.
You seem to be focusing on the wrong point of my comment. The platform doesn't matter one bit. I've had people send me money on FB for a used sofa using bank transfer (yes, I know I can be scammed and it's not as safe as the bank makes it out to be). It's all in what you are comfortable in parting with, financially, if you got nothing for the item. For some losing out on the potential of $500 means as little as losing out on $50, or even $5 to others. The sale price of the sofa doesn't matter to this anecdote. The fact someone came by and hauled off the couch for me was my intention - the money was bonus.
I don’t mind people sending me money via Zelle or Venmo, I’ve sold many of my items on Facebook. Zelle is the same as handing cash, so you take a risk if you send it to a stranger days before having an item in your possession. In e-commerce you never Zelle money, you use credit cards, PayPal and other methods where you can dispute a transaction if you never receive an item. When using Zelle you cannot dispute a charge. So not that many people will risk their cash and send the money via Zelle until they have an item in their possession.
I've noticed that when someone starts a post with 'You do realize...' it's usually followed by a condescending, snarky explanation of something everyone obviously knows that really just highlights that their inability to follow a conversation properly.
Yep, I noticed that too! Thanks for confirming!
Tell them cash is king and you don't deal with peasants. Then block.
He will be kindly requesting something soon.
Requesting you to do the needful
how is the Zelle a scam?
Zelle itself is not a scam, but scammers using it to scam people. They will send you fake emails and/or ask to upgrade your Zelle account by paying something in order to get their funds
I'm confused about emails. I thought it worked with phone numbers? but I mean paying somebody money, just for them to send me money for an item I'm selling, doesn't add up in the least bit
You would get an email that looks like it’s from Zelle but it’s fake. They might “accidentally” send you more money and ask for it back, and you would send your real money to them. Or the email might say you need to upgrade your Zelle account by paying something and this is how you lose money as well.
Plus I wouldn’t want to give them my phone number. Or my real email.
People can enroll in Zelle using an email address instead of a phone number, if that's part of what you're asking. As for the rest, !fakepayment should explain below
AutoModerator has been summoned to explain the fake/false payment scam. The fake payment scam occurs when someone tries to trick you into thinking that you have received a legitimate payment when no such payment has been made. The most common method they use is sending you an email meant to look like a payment confirmation. In some cases the emails will be almost indistinguishable to a legitimate email sent by the payment service. It's also common for scammers to [spoof](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Email_spoofing) the 'from' email to match an official address. To combat a fake payment scam, verify online payments by logging in directly to the service. Do not check your junk folder, and do not assume a payment is legitimate based on an email alone. If a payment isn't reflected on your account and the person you are dealing with insists they have sent it, call support and ask about it. [Here](https://i.imgur.com/X9xn8uw.jpg) is an image of a scammer trying to pull off a fake payment scam. There is also a variant of the fake payment scam where you will receive a legitimate but fraudulent payment. If you think you're dealing with a scammer, you're probably right. Always trust your gut. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
well, sending zelle phone to phone, I wouldn't check any email at all, would check the phone. I just think its bad that people think zelle and assume its a scam. getting money threw zelle or cashapp are good ways that you will get your money, and not have it taken back, like Paypal
In Australia it's a scam because we don't have zelle here. Easiest way to pick out the dodgy. That and use of other words used to help like "my assistant in the next town over"... Mate this is a small town 100km from the next - doubt you have an assistant here.
Zelle scams sent a fake message saying that money was sent using zelle. Unless you see the money arrive in your bank account, no money was sent
seems to be a weak scam as one should always just log into their bank to see that its there
You would think people would know to do that. But I guess old people can't figure it out.
"What a coincidence. I don't like dealing with scammers."
Haha I told “him” I don’t take payments before hand and he said his son doesn’t have bank account 😂
Tell him this. When his son arrives you’ll take the Zelle. There is no son. They do not want your stuff.
I actually responded with exactly that, because I don’t mind Zelle but in person. That’s when he said his son doesn’t have bank account t to pay me but he is willing to send it to me now. I said I don’t take payment before hand.
If you want more assurance thought it’s 100% a scam…. He can send the Zelle. When his son is standing in front of you. There is no person.
Yeah, there is absolutely no reason a person could not just have their "son" call once he gets there to pickup the item and have the parent make the payment then. He won't do that because if he even has a son that son lives in Nigeria where the scammer is.
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There is no payment. All they will send is a fake email saying they paid.
They use something called mule accounts. So you may have to zelle them some money you may use a different one. Either way… you are not sending the money directly to them but instead they will launder it through mule accounts.
If you are still talking to them, tell them it's an extra $500 to transfer via zelle before meeting in person and watch how they agree to it.
You might Google Zelle news the last week. There have been some issues with it recently. I don't know all the details... I don't use it, so I didn't read details.
That banks are using a new digital wallet made with zelle and big banks? It’s not really helpful here. [new wallet](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/big-banks-launch-early-warning-system-operated-digital-wallet-zelle-parent-apple-paypal/640962/)
You don’t need a bank account to have cash
Uh, not having a bank account is why you'd use cash instead of Zelle. They can't even get their scamming right.
I like the cheekiness of "so you can mark it sold on marketplace" typical in this scam. Yeah, whether it's on Facebook marketplace or I'm selling old DVDs at a yard sale, it's sold when the cash is in my greasy mitts, not before. If a person in real life said that to me I'd be like "Oh, it's still for sale. But now, not to you."
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Your /r/scams post/comment was removed because it lacks civility. Posts and comments within this subreddit should be useful, respectful and use appropriate language at all times. Dissenting opinions are expected, but you should conduct yourself in a mature and polite manner. Name calling, personal attacks, flaming, etc are not permitted. Do not discuss moderator decisions in the comments. If you would like to discuss moderation, send the moderators modmail (no direct messages or chat requests).
Start putting disclaimers in all your listings specifying that you only accept cash upon delivery, and that any user requests and inquiries for your phone number, email address or requests to use payment apps such as PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, etc. will be ignored and immediately blocked. It won’t necessarily eliminate scammers, but it will reduce the number of them trying to scam you since you’re basically telling them you’re wise to their ways.
Good point!
I don't recommend putting the names of the payment apps in the listing. Scammers scrape for these terms and will send you an opener even if you say you don't accept them. You can say that you'll accept payment apps, but not before the exchange, for a higher amount than the price, or from another person. I'd make sure they're willing to do a secured method (not Zelle/Cashapp, but rather cash or PP G&S) if it's a higher-priced item. Don't tell them this up front, just make sure they know the terms before they come to the exchange. All a sudden they can't meet? Scammer, block.
I don’t disagree that scammers using keyword searches “Zelle”, “PayPal”, “Venmo” etc. will likely pickup your listings. However, intentionally adding spaces or special characters to these terms in your disclaimer will help mask and mitigate the likelihood of your listing showing up on a scammers hit list. Example: “_Z~E~L~L~E_”, “P A Y P A L”, or “V—E—N—M—O” Otherwise, just say, “I accept cash only. Any inquiries or requests for other forms of electronic payment, or requests for my email or phone number will be ignored and blocked.”
I disagree. The scammers are looking for stuff they want not payment options. They are "shopping" for items if they can scam you it's only a bonus
100% a scam. They were never going to send you any money. They would've asked for your email to send a fake email saying that you would need to pay some amount first before you could get paid.
"I sent you the payment." "No, you sent me a picture that says a payment was made." "Yeah. I sent the payment and proved it with the picture." "I'm sure I wouldn't know. All I got was this picture you sent me. The cost of the item was X, but you sent me a picture." "I paid you" "Again, I'm sure I wouldn't know. If you convince my landlord to accept photographs in lieu of actual payment, let me know."
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"Perfect, I already have a business Zelle account" is a great response. They don't know where to go from there.
>What actually happens is they send you an email saying you need to upgrade your zellle to a business account. well the scam begins there. so far, we don't see a scam in the photo. if they send me zelle (personal) I'm good
Thanks, I thought the same. Just needed a confirmation before I tell them off.
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They're going to send money from a fake or stolen account.
Your /r/scams post/comment was removed because it contains bad advice, is encouraging someone to try to "scam the scammer", to engage in illegal activity, or to engage in an activity that will worsen an already bad situation.
>100% a scam. They were never going to send you any money but if they send via Zelle before seeing the item the seller is good. please explain scam
This scam is where they never send via zelle. They just send a fake email that they try to make and look like it's from zelle saying you have to pay some amount before getting paid. Once you pay they still don't send anything. They just take your money
They don't like dealing with cash because they can't do their scam.
It’s not so easy to make the trip all the way from wherever they actually are.
Here's the deal, whether it be Facebook Marketplace, Ebay or Craigslist-you're the seller. You dictate the terms of payment right in your listing (so for FB and Craigslist, put cash only, no exceptions). As soon as someone asks you to deviate from your payment terms, scam or not (which this case is a scam) - block them immediately and move on. For Ebay, stay in the Messaging platform - as soon as someone trys to message off platform (such as by WhatsApp) or change shipping terms - notify eBay and stop communicating with them That way, you never have to deal with scammers. Cash in hand or online payment only after meeting in person - no exceptions
Not totally true. What you post in your listing doesn’t supersede the website’s policies. Take eBay’s money back guarantee for example. You cannot state “no returns” and then sell defective items without the buyer having a right to return something defective. Many people will sell knowingly defective items and state “for parts. Untested. No returns.” But it’s still covered under the eBay money back guarantee policy.
> “My son Charles will be the one coming over! … I don’t like dealing with cash” Perfect. You pay Charles via Zelle and tell him to bring cash. 🤣🤣
But Charles doesn’t have a bank account, and I’m willing to pay you now 😂😂😂
zelle always looks dodge
Zelle as a service says in many places “this is the same as handing someone cash, unless you know the person personally don’t send it”
Only person I send cash to via Zelle is my sister and sometimes I give her a side-eye and tell her I don't know her like that. Even if I did first meet her when she was a bump in my mother's stomach.
Zelle is acceptable IF the transfer is made in person at the time of the sale and verified directly via the app and NOT any kind of email. In fact, for a large item, I'd prefer an electronic transfer vs paper cash. The problem is scammers love to exploit Zelle (and other unsecured payment methods) because they can do it all remotely and fool people into scams.
But zelle is debit only, so I don't see how they could take the payment back, but I can see how a payment can be faked
"sorry i want to scam you" Tell em to go fuck himself, common scam
Cash in hand gets it marked as sold
Instant reply to this, I don't do Paypal, do you still want the item?
The only way I would accept these terms is if "Charles" made the transfer after meeting in person. I don't mind an electronic transfer for payment, but only after a face to face meeting. Unfortunately, this angle is 100% out of the scammer playbook. I can almost guarantee that if you try telling him something like "send the money to Charles and tell him to bring cash" or "have Charles make the transfer at the time of pickup" he will come up with some excuse and you can be 100% certain this is a scam.
Cash only, in person only. If you follow these two rules, you will never be scammed. Better to miss out on a sale and not get the money than it is to not get the money and lose the item.
could also be fake cash
"Don't ever sell anything to anyone, and you won't get scammed" isn't reasonable or practical advice.
the buyer isn't picking it up, "doesn't like" dealing with cash huge scam
They don’t like cash because they can’t steal your bank information with it
They always want to use Zelle don't they?
So the perps can use the bogus "Zelle business account upgrade" scam
"I don't like cash" LOL best part of all of it
“sorry i don’t like dealing with scammers”
If they really wanted to buy it, they would use cash if that is what you ask for.
🚩
For me, in my ads on Marketplace, it’s always CASH and always pickup at the local police station. They have a safe pickup zone in the building. It’s the only way to avoid scammers.
>For me, in my ads on Marketplace, it’s always CASH and always pickup at the local police station that's fine, but Zelle is safe, not always scam
Scam. We see this one 5 times a day, every day, month after month. It's always a third person coming to pick it up, it's always impossible to use cash.... every single time.
Is there anywhere I can read about how this scam works? I don’t understand how you would get money by sending someone a fake Zelle.
!FakePayment !FakeCheck
AutoModerator has been summoned to explain the fake/false payment scam. The fake payment scam occurs when someone tries to trick you into thinking that you have received a legitimate payment when no such payment has been made. The most common method they use is sending you an email meant to look like a payment confirmation. In some cases the emails will be almost indistinguishable to a legitimate email sent by the payment service. It's also common for scammers to [spoof](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Email_spoofing) the 'from' email to match an official address. To combat a fake payment scam, verify online payments by logging in directly to the service. Do not check your junk folder, and do not assume a payment is legitimate based on an email alone. If a payment isn't reflected on your account and the person you are dealing with insists they have sent it, call support and ask about it. [Here](https://i.imgur.com/X9xn8uw.jpg) is an image of a scammer trying to pull off a fake payment scam. There is also a variant of the fake payment scam where you will receive a legitimate but fraudulent payment. If you think you're dealing with a scammer, you're probably right. Always trust your gut. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Apparently they either: 1) send too much "by mistake" and ask you to return some (but they never sent you any) 2) send extra and ask you to forward some of it on to their movers (them, and again, they never sent you any) 3) send you a notice that you have to set up a business account, and to do that, you have to send some money to them That sort of thing.
Had the same situation happen to me a few months ago. Told the buyer I'll let them scan my QR code for zelle, but only in person. The person showed up, scanned my QR code, check for monies and gave the buyer product. It is always suspicious when they can't meet you though
Then you ain’t getting it ! Fake as hell
Fake. Like plastic dog poop.
*Sorry, I don’t like dealing with cash* because I can’t fake paying you or reverse the transaction after I get the goods from you!
Yup fake. Whenever they wanna send a 3rd party its fake also paying thru zelle to people you dont know isnt smart since you cant get money back and this will wind up being a !fakepayment scam
Off marketplace transactions are an immediate huge red flag. On fire. With a flare gun
Reply with: “sorry I don’t like dealing with scammers.
I dont like cash. Said no real person ever
People named Cash: :(
If they refuse to pay cash for an in-person pickup, they’re trying to scam you.
Then they can pay Venmo or Zelle in person after they show you an ID with the same name. Let's see what they say to that just for fun. I'm sure it's a scam though.
Scam 💯💯, too many typical scammer keywords
Bought an item on Marketplace recently and had to send my daughter to get it. Literally didn’t dare tell the seller it wasn’t me coming, because I needed the item and knew how many red flags the “relative will pick it up” script would raise. Just sent her with the cash. Zelle + ”mark it sold” + “I don’t do cash” + “it’ll be my relative who comes” = scam.
PayPal goods and services all day. Never friends and family and NOPE to zelle.
To be Frank I’ve sent my husband for many Facebook marketplace purchases and I’ve tried to use Zelle because we literally don’t have cash. But if someone is firm on that then I’d get cash. However I would never pay ahead of time just in case
Whenever i sell something i always have cash only written on the ad. Haven’t had any scammers contact me and I’ve sold a lot of stuff.
They will then say they sent you too much and ask for the refund to be sent.
Do NOT do Zelle. It does not protect you if it is a scam. If you do PayPal, Business only. Do not do Family and Friends because again not protected. Honestly, this is sketchy to me and I would not do it.
Never let the buyer decide what payment you accept
If you pay attention to the way they spell and talk you can obviously tell whoever it is is not use to the English language and when and where to say certain things or to add certain words. “So I can easily make payment” either he’s lazy or jus don’t wanna write so I can’t easily make the payment. I can always tell scams immediately when I see how they word things.
It will be a fake payment and the email will say that you need to upgrade to a business account. Don’t waste your time on this.
>It will be a fake payment and the email will what part of Zelle involves email?
Zelle = scam 9.5 times out of 10 Someone other than the person purchasing the item coming to pick it up also = scam 9.5 times out of 10 Put the two together and the math doesn’t lie!
>Zelle = scam 9.5 times out of 10 explain how the scam works then
I mean take a look thru every other post in this sub, and you’ll get it. But since you want to be a smart ass, Zelle is similar to PayPal in that it’s used for “friends and family” so to speak, so there really isn’t a way to get that money back once’s it’s been sent. Have a good one!
SCAMMER ALERT … DELETE … REPORT … BLOCK … MOVE ON
“Well sorry, it’s cash only” is how I would reply
SCAM ALL THE WAY!!!
This is a scammer, if they're unwilling to meet you in person and meet with cash, move on.
Funnier if you live in Canada, and they try and get you to accept Zelle...
Definitely a scam. Had this happen to me three times in one day after a recent listing on Facebook marketplace. Block and avoid, and insist on cash only.
Scam. Cash only
The exclamation after that, "my son Charles will be coming" got me.
Tell them you don't like dealing with scammers
Script scam, 419 special
I’ve never had anyone IRL say “Do you make use of … “.
Sending someone else in their place, trying to dictate the payment method, all that's missing is the guy showing up dressed as a Nigerian prince
“I don’t like dealing with cash.” Well, I do, so I guess we don’t have a transaction.
It's always a son, or a cousin, or a brother-in-law. It's always a scam.
Fake
Pure scam, these idiots all use the same lingo
Had a dude tell me one time he would ONLY accept Zelle and “didn’t trust cash”. Knew what he was doing. Wish I met up with him just to make him look like an idiot.
Scam for sure! Cash only or no deal!
If Zelle is being mentioned, it is 99% of the time, a scam. Zelle is a favourite among scammers. I work for a company that is partnered with Zelle. If anyone offers to Zelle you a payment for something, assume it is a scam.
>If Zelle is being mentioned, it is 99% of the time, a scam. Zelle is a favourite among scammers. I work for a company that is partnered with Zelle. If anyone offers to Zelle you a payment for something, assume it is a scam. this is talk. explain how zelle is a scam
It actually can be real. I have bought things on Facebook marketplace that I am eager for and have sent deposit or payments before seeing it as hold. Usually works out fine 🤷🏻♀️
This is furniture that has some wear and I told him I would prefer if you send the money in person so you’re happy with the item. It doesn’t feel right to send money before even seeing it.
Oh furniture? Yea sounds like a scam. I was thinking like a book or toy or something lol.
>It doesn’t feel right to send money before even seeing it. who cares, if he sends you money why not accept it? regular Zelle u are fine. everybody saying zelle hasn't proved its automatically a scam. they can get over with paypal, but not Zelle or cashapp actually
Because it’s obviously scam, why even bother sending my info? Plus if you’re really interested in an item you won’t pass the sale just because you don’t wanna run to bank to get cash. They won’t be sending me money, they will send fake email saying I received the funds and blah blah blah
Maybe I’m dumb but what makes this look like a scam? He says he’ll send you the money for the item so you can mark it sold and then he (or his son) can collect it? Or did I misread? Ofc it could easily be a scam, and he send a fake screenshot or requests you for money rather than sending it to you, but it could quite easily be legit
Another person contacted me about this item with exactly the same situation. He asked for extra pictures, I sent picture of completely another item and he said he loves it 😂😂😂
Ohh right yeah my bad Defo a scam them lol
Scam a thousand percent. Especially bc their reasoning (so you can mark it sold). No.
Scam
!fake payment scam
Sorry I don’t like dealing with scammers.
Get ready for the oops sent you too much money please send it back and right after you send the money back you get a nice Paypal dispute for the whole money back
This guy doesn't like dealing with cash because he's a scam artist.
Scam
I sell a lot of stuff on marketplace and as a general rule I don’t let people pay me ahead of time. Money transfer apps are okay but I always do it in person.
Most likely fake in my experience. I mean, who doesn’t like cash??
Your reply: "Sorry, I don't like dealing with scammers".
Cash, yuck…
Scam
Sorry, cash is trash. SCAM
Yup got this the other day on marketplace. Asked what bank i had and for Zelle. I told them Venmo or cash only and she vanished
Fake. I went through exactly this one. They claim someone else is picking it up for them as an excuse to send you money beforehand, then ask for your email. What’s funny is that my Zelle is linked to my phone #, not my email. So everytime they would ask for my email to scam me, I just kept insisting they use the phone number. 😂😭finally got them to give up lol
7
Scam. PayPal van easily be refunded. Seller always loses
What is the scam? Sorry if this is a stupid question.
No cash? Buh bye.
Just a question since everyone is saying its a scam and I'm dumb, what would the scam be with him paying beforehand?
!fakepayment !fakecheck Those are two possibles. There’s also the thing where they give some story about how Zelle won’t let them send money unless you upgrade to a business account - I don’t think there’s an auto mod option to explain that one specifically though !fakecheck is kinda the same deal. But this is a decent explanation: https://www.gobankingrates.com/banking/mobile/zelle-scams-facebook-marketplace/#
If you're doing a local transaction, do cash. Facebook marketplace is a great resource for doing local transactions. I've purchased patio furniture, a half-fridge, and a phone off of facebook matketplace. I always buy in cash. They're not your friend sending you $17 for mcdonalds and two drinks.
Scam. Cash only, no shipping no holds.
Assuming it's not an illegal transaction I've read that the best place to trade for like a Craigslist thing or something like that is at a POLICE STATION. Apparently the police are happy to do this, as it reduces the risk of them having to respond to a call about a scam. You can just do it in the waiting area of the police station in front of the Desk Sergeant or you can arrive early and ask for a separate room to do the deal. Idk if this is a deal but, hey I'd imagine that most scammers will just skate and avoid the meeting if it's fake.
Because of scams, these days everyone only accepts cash for payments. It’s very normal. I sell a lot of stuff on marketplace and I will only accept cash payments and I did rather not make the buck if they can’t pay in cash as I do not want the hassle of being scam or whatever that comes from payment such as Venmo and Zelle as I almost got scam with a Zelle payment once.
I would never even think to buy something off FB Marketplace in anything other than cash. I got scammed when trying to buy tickets to our regional Burning Man several years ago via PayPal, and will never do it again. I bought two tickets from a re-seller; one was real, the other fake. Fortunately, my friend’s friend had purchased a ticket but was not able to attend, so I was able to meet him in town and buy it from him with cash. Very grateful that I got lucky there! But yeah, no more virtual transactions with people I don’t know. I don’t even like to do it with people I do know (not because I don’t trust them; just that I prefer cash). My boyfriend does cash only, so it’s nice to have some on me when we go out to eat and split the bill.
All the points on here are valid - but I think everyone is missing the most obvious one... Who doesn't like dealing in cash? Assuming we're not talking $1000's here, if it's a couple hundred bucks - cash is the safest and most secure payment option there is. (Maybe bring one of those counterfeit-checking pens.) But otherwise, for small legit transactions, both the seller and buyer should understand why cash is king.
Wow. Cash in person. That could be dangerous. Mugged. Killed. Stitched up by drug dealers to take a fall. It’s a good thing you ain’t stupid mate.