Is Facebook Marketplace a Scam? How to Spot Fake Dyson Airwrap Listings

The Zelle/Venmo Overpayment Scam: A scammer might claim to have overpaid for the Dyson Airwrap and ask you to refund the difference. They will often provide a fake payment confirmation or screenshot. Once you send the 'refund,' you'll discover the original payment never actually cleared, leaving you out of pocket. Always verify the payment directly in your app before sending any money back.

Fake Pre-Paid Shipping Label: Scammers may send you a shipping label, claiming it's prepaid. They might then ask you to ship the item before the payment is fully verified, or even request you send back an 'overpayment' on the shipping cost. The label might be fake, or they could reroute the package after you ship it. Never rely solely on a provided shipping label; verify the payment and shipping details independently.

Counterfeit Tech (Dyson Airwrap): These fakes can be incredibly convincing, with similar packaging and even working serial numbers that may pass initial checks. However, upon closer inspection or use, you might notice poor build quality, misaligned buttons, incorrect logos, or the device not performing as expected. Always try to examine the product in person and compare it with known genuine examples if possible. Look for details like the finish, the quality of the materials, and any typos on the product or documentation.

The 'Google Voice' OTP Verification: A scammer might ask for your phone number to 'verify' you're a real seller. They'll then send you a Google Voice verification code, which they'll ask you to relay back to them. This code is used to create a Google Voice number in their name, which they can then use for fraudulent activities, potentially linking it to your phone number and exposing you to further risk. Never share verification codes with anyone.

Empty Box/Mismatched Item Swap: While more common in in-person transactions, some sellers might try to trick buyers by shipping an empty box or a completely different, lower-value item. Always ensure the seller is legitimate and that you receive exactly what you paid for. If shipping, use a trackable method and document the packaging process.

Phishing 'Business Account' Email: You might receive an email from a scammer posing as a payment platform (like CashApp or Venmo), claiming you need to upgrade your account to a 'business account' to receive the payment for the Dyson Airwrap. This often involves paying a fee or sending additional funds. These emails are fraudulent attempts to extract money or personal information. Always verify payment confirmations directly within the official payment app, not through emails.