Theres considerable risk when it comes to peer-to-peer selling on sites like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji. Many of us know that, acknowledge it, and take necessary precautions to avoid the inherent danger that comes with meeting and making a deal with a complete stranger. Meet them in the daylight? Check. Bring along a friend? Check. Use a payment app to ensure you have the money before they drive away with your product? Check.
You may have checked every item on the safety list, and still become a victim of fraud. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is tracking a new scam that is catching even the savvy online traders.
Heres how it works you post something on Facebook Marketplace. A buyer agrees to purchase it and sends over the money. You receive confirmation from the payment app (in this case, Zelle) that the money is on its way to you, and was sent from the purchasers business account. You must upgrade your account to business to receive…
