There is a common theme every time someone posts one of these "I got suckered" threads:
Someone sent funds TO A BRAND NEW MEMBER who NOBODY KNOWS using a payment method that is equivalent to CASH without recourse.
Corresponding with and buying things from a "new member" isn't and of itself always more risky than purchasing from established members. Old timers all remember Sinister, and for some, Blasterpunkt so unscrupulous scammers exists everywhere. However, if you do buy from a nobody, take steps to ensure that the product actually exists. Then use funds where there can be recourse if the transaction goes sideways. And if you suspect that the person is a scammer or exhibiting behavior that suggests such, alert other members or if you are unsure and don't want to sully a newbies reputation, you can send a message silently to a staff member so they can research further.
Paying for things using PayPal's family & friends feature isn't in and of itself a horrible thing. We've all done it because it helps keep greedy PayPal from taking a commission on a transaction negotiated between friends, and allows sellers to ship items using cheaper shipping methods where possible. But the operative word here is FAMILY or FRIENDS. If they aren't at least friends or long established members (and we do have a member feedback area of this forum), you could easily be kissing your hard earned funds goodbye.
So IF the potential buyer is someone you never heard of:
- Make a request for specifically posed photos that only someone in possession of the actual item can do. For example, ask the seller to place a handwritten note next to the photo with the sellers user profile written on it, or maybe next to a diet coke or Hershey's bar or something specific. Just remember that photos can be stolen and there's sellers all over FB Marketplace now using other peoples photos. After lots of research, I've discovered that FB scammers even steal peoples FB profile pics and make new accounts with the same name so everything looks legit at first glance. Common red flags are that they have listed the same item 35 times, in different states (just look at sellers other items). Or are fairly new accounts. Or they sell for incredibly cheap and asks for a deposit to mark it pending. Or their profile has no history. etc.
- View the sellers boomboxery profile. If the buyer only registered an account prior to sending you a PM, I would think it's highly likely that there's method to the madness and that person might instead be targeting you to be their next victim.
- DO NOT under any circumstances send "Family & Friends" payments to him or her. Even if it means potentially losing out on the HTF item you are coveting. Remember that scammers often use that FOMO (fear of missing out) mentality against you.
