This tiny detail on Facebook Marketplace catches mum off guard: ‘This is so embarrassing’
- Replies 13
Navigating the world of online buying and selling can often feel like walking through a digital minefield, especially on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, where peer-to-peer transactions are commonplace.
While many of us have embraced the convenience of finding bargains and selling unwanted items within our local communities, the risk of encountering a scammer is an unfortunate reality.
One mum's experience is a cautionary tale for all of us, particularly those who frequent online marketplaces.
As she sought to treat herself for her upcoming 30th birthday amidst undergoing radiation treatment, she fell victim to a scam that left her embarrassed and upset.
‘This is so embarrassing...but I think I've been scammed,’ the mum wrote.
‘I spent the last of my money and got myself a very early 30th birthday present…three Sol De Janeiro body mists from a seller located in the Sunshine Coast area of Queensland.’
She had requested a photo ID from the seller, which seemed to match the Pay ID name provided.
Confident in the seller's legitimacy, she transferred the money, only to realise later that she had been duped.
The seller vanished, along with her hard-earned money.
‘I'm so upset. I'm a single mother who can't look for work until four weeks after my treatments finish. I'd been wanting these scents for ages,’ she said.
One user pointed out the tiny detail that she missed: the seller's Facebook join date.
‘He joined Facebook in 2024—it’s a dead giveaway—it's a scam,’ they said.
Another user advised, 'I never ever buy from anyone who hasn’t been on Facebook for at least a few years. He joined this year. Immediate red flag to me that it’s a scammer.’
When it comes to payment methods, opinions vary.
Some prefer the old-fashioned way. ‘I only ever do cash when buying things on Marketplace. I don't trust Pay ID so I dont have it,’ one user said.
Another added: ‘PayPal is safer as anything Pay ID you won’t get back…I never do Pay ID unless they come to my house.’
The story does have a silver lining, though. In an act of kindness, a fellow social media user offered to send the mum some Sol Janeiro scents she had at home, asking only for the postage cost.
This gesture ensured that the mum would still receive her birthday treat, despite the unfortunate scam.
In a similar story, a woman was scammed on Facebook Marketplace and received random items instead of a TV.
The woman paid $550 for the TV, and the scam took place in broad daylight, which was caught on CCTV. You can read more about the story here.
Have you ever experienced a strange or disappointing online shopping experience? Share your stories with us in the comments below.
While many of us have embraced the convenience of finding bargains and selling unwanted items within our local communities, the risk of encountering a scammer is an unfortunate reality.
One mum's experience is a cautionary tale for all of us, particularly those who frequent online marketplaces.
As she sought to treat herself for her upcoming 30th birthday amidst undergoing radiation treatment, she fell victim to a scam that left her embarrassed and upset.
A mum knew she was scammed on Facebook Marketplace with this tiny detail. Credit: Shutterstock
‘This is so embarrassing...but I think I've been scammed,’ the mum wrote.
‘I spent the last of my money and got myself a very early 30th birthday present…three Sol De Janeiro body mists from a seller located in the Sunshine Coast area of Queensland.’
She had requested a photo ID from the seller, which seemed to match the Pay ID name provided.
Confident in the seller's legitimacy, she transferred the money, only to realise later that she had been duped.
The seller vanished, along with her hard-earned money.
‘I'm so upset. I'm a single mother who can't look for work until four weeks after my treatments finish. I'd been wanting these scents for ages,’ she said.
One user pointed out the tiny detail that she missed: the seller's Facebook join date.
‘He joined Facebook in 2024—it’s a dead giveaway—it's a scam,’ they said.
Another user advised, 'I never ever buy from anyone who hasn’t been on Facebook for at least a few years. He joined this year. Immediate red flag to me that it’s a scammer.’
When it comes to payment methods, opinions vary.
Some prefer the old-fashioned way. ‘I only ever do cash when buying things on Marketplace. I don't trust Pay ID so I dont have it,’ one user said.
Another added: ‘PayPal is safer as anything Pay ID you won’t get back…I never do Pay ID unless they come to my house.’
The story does have a silver lining, though. In an act of kindness, a fellow social media user offered to send the mum some Sol Janeiro scents she had at home, asking only for the postage cost.
This gesture ensured that the mum would still receive her birthday treat, despite the unfortunate scam.
The woman paid $550 for the TV, and the scam took place in broad daylight, which was caught on CCTV. You can read more about the story here.
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