7 Warning Signs of a Diamond Tennis Bracelet Scam on Facebook Marketplace

Beware of Diamond Tennis Bracelet Scams on Facebook Marketplace

Diamond tennis bracelets are attractive, often valuable items, making them a target for scammers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. While the platform offers convenience, it's crucial to be aware of the red flags that indicate a fraudulent transaction. This guide highlights seven common scam tactics to watch out for when dealing with diamond tennis bracelets.

The Zelle/Venmo Overpayment Scam

Scammers may claim to have overpaid for the bracelet using Zelle or Venmo and ask you to refund the difference. They often use fake emails that appear to be from the payment service, stating you need to upgrade to a 'business account' to receive the funds. You might be pressured to send them money to cover this supposed upgrade, only to find the original payment was fraudulent, leaving you out of pocket.

The Fake Pre-Paid Shipping Label Scam

If you're selling the bracelet, a scammer might send you a fake pre-paid shipping label. This label could be overpaid, and they'll ask you to send back the excess amount, or it might be linked to a fraudulent payment method. They may claim payment has been made and pressure you to ship the item before the payment has actually cleared.

The 'Google Voice' OTP Verification Scam

A scammer might request a Google Voice verification code, claiming it's to prove you're a legitimate seller. They use this code to set up a Google Voice number in their name, which they can then use for fraudulent activities. Sharing this code compromises your phone number and could lead to further scams.

The Empty Box/Mismatched Item Swap

This scam typically involves a buyer receiving the bracelet and then falsely claiming the package was empty or contained a different, less valuable item. They might provide doctored photos or claim the package was tampered with during shipping. This is particularly risky if you're shipping the item.

Counterfeit or Stolen Goods

Be wary of diamond tennis bracelets that seem too good to be true for the price. Scammers often list counterfeit items, attempting to pass them off as genuine. Additionally, the bracelet could be stolen. Always verify the authenticity and provenance of the item.

Phishing 'Business Account' Email Scam

Similar to the Zelle/Venmo overpayment scam, this involves a fake email claiming to be from a payment platform, stating that the buyer used a 'business account' and that you need to upgrade your account or that funds are on hold. These emails are designed to trick you into sending money or revealing sensitive information.

Fake Payment Screenshot or App Confirmation

Scammers may show you a convincing-looking screenshot or a fake confirmation within a payment app to claim they've sent the money. Always verify the payment directly through your bank or the official payment app, not by trusting a third-party image or claim.

Protect Your Transaction with Safe Trade Services

For high-value items like diamond tennis bracelets, especially those exceeding $500, we highly recommend utilizing Safe Trade Services' Premium Plan for P2P transactions. This service offers enhanced identity verification for both buyer and seller, adding a crucial layer of security to your exchange. For items under $500, our Basic Plan provides essential identity verification to help mitigate risks. Ensure your transactions are secure and authenticated.