Selling unwanted items around your house to pick up some extra money is easier than ever, thanks to the social media platforms that offer the service. Recent years have seen Facebook Marketplace grow in popularity, competing with eBay and Craigslist. But the Better Business Bureau warns that reports are coming in of scammer activities on the Marketplace site here in Kansas that is using Google Voice verification.

How the verification 

scam works

For those unfamiliar with Google Voice, it’s a phone number through which you may make calls or send texts from a web browser or a mobile device. One number works across all your devices and may even be set up using one of your existing phone numbers. A scammer’s goal is to set up their own Google Voice number using your information so they can use it to anonymously (or disguised as you) as they go about ripping other people off. 

The scam works like this: 

• You place an ad attempting to sell an item, or perhaps find a lost pet. 

• The scammer contacts you and claims they simply want to first verify that you are a real person, sometimes claiming they themselves have been scammed in the past.

• They request that you send them your phone number. 

• Alternatively, they may send you a text message with a Google Voice verification code, asking that you then send them that code, replying on the platform where you listed your item.

• They then create a Google Voice number linked to your phone number.

A crook may be after a Google verification code only or may want additional information about you. Once they have enough of your information, they can access your accounts or open new ones in your name.

Do this to avoid the scam

Remember these tips to thwart dishonest scammer schemes:

• Protect your personal information. There is no need to give anyone your phone number to make an online marketplace sale. Never give it to someone you do not know. Never put your phone number in public social media posts.

• Know the red flags of a scam. A deal that sounds too good to be true is precisely too good to be true. Pressure for a quick deal should be ignored. Someone who overpays you is setting you up for a scam.

• Understand marketplace policy. Most online marketplaces discourage any transaction outside of the platform. (Scammers frequently try to get you to go off-site to deal.) 

A marketplace platform has guidelines for verifying sellers and buyers – stick to them. This may include using specific methods of payment. (Do not accept checks or money orders. Remember that if you deposit a bad check, the bank will hold you responsible when it bounces.)

If you are victimized

Should you have already fallen victim to the Google Voice scam, you can reclaim your Voice number. Do an online search for “how to reclaim my Google Voice number” to get a link provided by Google.

Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Report it to BBB Scamtracker as well at bbb.org/scamtracker.

For other questions regarding buying and selling on Facebook Marketplace or other platforms, contact BBB at 800-856-2417 or visit the website BBB.org.