Medford police are providing safety tips on recent Facebook scams and property crimes.
The department has heard reports of scammers hijacking Facebook profiles, then posting multiple items for sale using that account.
“Because the profile belongs to someone you may know, it can appear trustworthy, but it’s not,” the department posted.
Here’s how the scam typically works: The scammer takes over a real person’s account and posts high-quality items for sale at very low prices. Comments are turned off to prevent warnings of the scam. Scammers request direct messaging and quick payment through apps like Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, or PayPal.
- A scammer may also provide a real address for pickup of items. Victims may only discover the scam after sending money or arriving at that address.
Residents can stay safe by securing accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication; verifying the seller by contacting them outside of Facebook; meeting in a safe, public location such as the police department; and not sending money before seeing a sale item.
- Trust your instincts – if something feels off, it probably is, police say.
The police department is also reminding residents that small steps can make a big difference in keeping one’s home and neighborhood safe, including locking homes and cars; using exterior lighting or motion sensors at night; and keeping valuables out of sight, such as spare keys and garage openers.
