06/15/2026
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‼️ FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE SCAM ‼️
The Manassas Park Police Department is raising public awareness about scams on Facebook. The department has received multiple reports of the Facebook Marketplace scam. Below is an example of how the scam has occurred ⬇️
👉🏼 The scam begins when an individual posts an item for sale on Facebook Marketplace for a low dollar amount (typically under $200). The victim is then contacted by a potential buyer on Facebook, and the conversation quickly moves to text messages after the seller provides the victim their phone number. During this time, the buyer asks the seller if they have a digital wallet (Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, Bitcoin, or Apple Pay) and to also send the email associated with the account so the buyer can pay for the item. The buyer then tells the seller that they need to upgrade their account to a business account to receive the money. The seller then receives a fraudulent email from the digital wallet stating that the buyer sent them an additional amount, typically $500, and that they need to send the money back to the buyer. The seller is then instructed to contact customer support, where they speak to several individuals, including video calls, and are instructed to download applications or visit websites to allow customer support to remotely access their device (phone, tablet, or computer), where they have access to the seller's personal information. The seller is then instructed to send additional payments, including wire transfers and cash pickup.
💰 If you are selling an item online, we advise that you meet in a public place during the day where there are cameras, and only accept cash.
🫱🏼🫲🏽Another safe location to conduct these transactions is the Manassas Park Police Department Safe Exchange Zone Parking. NEVER provide your address to people you don’t know, and NEVER allow anyone to remotely access your device to help you.
If you believe you were a target or victim of a scam, please contact the Manassas Park Police Department at 703-361-1136 or your local police department.