The Howell County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam targeting people selling items on Facebook Marketplace. Deputies say scammers contact a seller, claim they want to buy the item, and then direct the seller to call a phone number to arrange payment through Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or another service.
When the seller calls, the person on the line pretends to be customer support and claims the seller’s account must be switched from a business account to a personal one. Victims are then instructed to send money or provide banking information with the promise of reimbursement. Instead, scammers gain access to the victim’s financial accounts, often stealing thousands of dollars.
The sheriff’s office urges residents not to call numbers provided by buyers, not to share banking information or verification codes, and to contact payment services only through official websites or apps. Anyone who feels something is off is encouraged to stop communication immediately and report the scam.
