If you’re new here, be careful. Scammers might message you privately pretending to help you recover money or connect you to some ‘expert’ for a small fee. These are scams too. Always keep advice in the comments so others can help spot any scams. If someone tries to take this to private messages, ignore them.
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@renny
Thanks! I actually found it myself too. Strange that it didn’t show up when I reverse-searched the image earlier. Changing the eBay filter to ‘sold items’ showed it had been listed twice before.
The number ‘30’ on the sign looks like it was added later, maybe covering another date. Could just be laziness, but I’d avoid paying upfront. Meeting in person would be safer.
BillSmith said:
The number ‘30’ on the sign looks like it was added later, maybe covering another date. Could just be laziness, but I’d avoid paying upfront. Meeting in person would be safer.
The problem is she’s in Arkansas and I’m on the East Coast lol. She’s sent pictures whenever I’ve asked. Do you think it’s reasonable to ask her to hold the item upside down in a new picture?
@Andrewmartin
That might work to confirm she has the item. What payment method is she asking for?
BillSmith said:
@Andrewmartin
That might work to confirm she has the item. What payment method is she asking for?
None yet. She hasn’t been pushy, which I thought was a good sign. Scammers are usually pretty aggressive about payments.
@Andrewmartin
You could suggest PayPal goods and services. That way you’d have some buyer protection if it doesn’t arrive.
@Andrewmartin
Ask for a video showing the item, the date, and her hand in the frame. That’s harder to fake.
Photos don’t mean much. She could have stolen them, edited them, or even has the item but won’t send it. If you’re not meeting in person, there’s always a risk. Facebook Marketplace doesn’t offer buyer protection.
@MichaelAiden3
I was planning to use PayPal goods and services for protection. I couldn’t find these photos anywhere else, which gave me some confidence.
Andrewmartin said:
@MichaelAiden3
I was planning to use PayPal goods and services for protection. I couldn’t find these photos anywhere else, which gave me some confidence.
Actually, there’s a match on eBay, minus the ‘Melinda’ sign. Looks like a scam. Block and report them.
@MichaelAiden3
You’re right! I just found it too. It’s weird that it didn’t show up earlier, but now I see it’s been listed on eBay twice.
Andrewmartin said:
@MichaelAiden3
You’re right! I just found it too. It’s weird that it didn’t show up earlier, but now I see it’s been listed on eBay twice.
Exactly. Pictures don’t matter as much as their behavior. If they won’t meet you, you can’t trust them.
@MichaelAiden3
Totally agree. That’s why I posted here to see if anyone else could spot something fishy. I’m naturally skeptical, luckily.
Don’t buy anything from Facebook or Instagram. Simple rule to avoid scams.
ConsumerClarity3 said:
Don’t buy anything from Facebook or Instagram. Simple rule to avoid scams.
Lesson learned. Can’t even trust someone selling a stuffed animal.
ConsumerClarity3 said:
Don’t buy anything from Facebook or Instagram. Simple rule to avoid scams.
I usually don’t. I prefer Mercari. I thought this one time would be fine.
Facebook Marketplace is full of scammers. Always meet in person to be safe.