Pennsylvania resident scammed out of $5,000 on Facebook Marketplace
By Brian Roche
Click here for updates on this story
MECHANICSBURG, Pennsylvania (WGAL) — A Mechanicsburg resident was scammed out of $5,000 while attempting to sell an item on Facebook Marketplace, police said.
The victim had agreed to sell the item for $75, but the buyer claimed there were issues sending the payment through Cash App. The buyer provided a phone number, claiming it was for Cash App customer service, and directed the victim to call it.
The victim called the number and spoke to someone posing as a Cash App representative. During the call, the victim provided their bank account information. Multiple checks were deposited into the victim’s account while they were on the phone, but the checks were fake. Money was withdrawn from the account, resulting in a $5,000 loss, according to police.
Consumer investigator Brian Roche said scams involving items bought and sold on social media continue to grow. He advised dealing locally, in cash, and in person with buyers or sellers. Roche also warned against engaging in transactions involving payment apps, cryptocurrency, or unfamiliar electronic payment methods, urging people to ask questions if such situations arise.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.