Warning to millions of Facebook users over Christmas – simple mistake can cost you

IF you plan on selling unwanted Christmas gifts online, watch out for scammers lurking around.

Receiving a gift that doesn’t suit you is an awkward situation, but there’s no point in gathering dust in the back of the closet.

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So selling is a good way to make some money instead.

eBay is a popular option, but Facebook Marketplace is another because there are no listing fees.

However, there is a risk that ubiquitous scammers will keep trying new tricks.

So if you decide to sell something, keep an eye out for messages like the one below – and if you do, end the chat immediately.

At the beginning there is a normal inquiry as to whether the product is still available.

Then the person starts making a strange payment request.

“I will make your payment by TNT express delivery in an envelope, once you receive the money, I will send TNT to your home to collect it,” they will say.

Scammers have also done this with other delivery services such as FedEx and UPS around the world.

Unfortunately, some people fell for the trick, but we know from their mistake what comes next.

The buyer will then ask you to pay for the insurance of the envelope that is supposed to be carrying your cash.

They claim that this is a requirement of the delivery provider and promise to leave the extra amount in the envelope so you don’t run out of pocket.

To further lure victims, the scammer will ask for your email address.

They use this to send you a fake email pretending to be from the delivery company that you need to deposit the insurance money with.

It includes things like a fake tracking number to make it appear authentic.

If you keep going you will end up paying the scammer and such delivery service will never arrive.

And should you become suspicious and refuse, things can get awkward.

The bad actor can start with the sympathy card and say he will lose money because the delivery order cannot be canceled.

This can even lead to threats if you continue to refuse.

So if you get a message like this, ignore it.

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