How to Avoid Getting Scammed on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace can be a great platform for buying and selling items locally, but it’s important to stay vigilant to avoid falling victim to scams. There are a lot of…
Facebook Marketplace can be a great platform for buying and selling items locally, but it's important to stay vigilant to avoid falling victim to scams. There are a lot of times I see the item of my dreams listed only to do a little digging and find out the "seller" is actually a scammer. Here are some key strategies to protect yourself:
Use Secure Payment Methods
When making purchases, stick to secure payment methods like Facebook's built-in payment system or PayPal Goods & Services. Avoid using cash, wire transfers, gift cards, or other non-secure payment methods that scammers often prefer. For extra security, link a credit card rather than a debit card to your payment account, as credit cards typically offer better fraud protection.
Verify Seller/Buyer Credibility
Always check the profile and reviews of the person you're dealing with. Be wary of new accounts with few friends or little activity, as these may be fake profiles created by scammers. Look for red flags in their other listings, such as selling the same item in multiple distant locations.
Communicate Safely
Keep all communication within Facebook Messenger. Scammers often try to move conversations off-platform to avoid detection. Never share personal information like your phone number, email address, or home address until absolutely necessary.
Meet Safely for Local Transactions
For in-person exchanges, always meet in a safe, public place. Many police stations offer designated areas for online marketplace transactions. Bring a friend or family member with you and inform someone else of your plans.
Be Wary of "Too Good to Be True" Offers
If a deal seems suspiciously cheap or a buyer is offering more than your asking price, it's likely a scam. Be especially cautious of high-value transactions on Facebook Marketplace, as the platform offers limited protection for such deals.
Inspect Items Carefully
For local purchases, thoroughly inspect the item before paying. For electronics, test the device to ensure it's functioning properly. If buying remotely, ask for detailed photos or videos of the item.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off about a transaction, trust your gut and walk away. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making hasty decisions.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you encounter a suspected scam, report it to Facebook immediately. This helps protect other users and improves the platform's safety.
By following these guidelines and staying alert, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams on Facebook Marketplace. Remember, it's always better to miss out on a deal than to lose money or compromise your personal information to a scammer!
6 of the Best Haunted Halloween Attractions Near Fayetteville
It's spooky season and some of North Carolina's best haunted attractions are right here in Fayetteville! There's some solid science behind the allure of safe, scary adventures. People are drawn to Halloween haunted houses and trails for a variety of psychological and social reasons. The controlled fear experienced in these attractions triggers a rush of adrenaline, endorphins, and dopamine in the brain, creating an exhilarating "fight-or-flight" response without any real danger. This biochemical surge can produce a natural high, similar to the runner's high, leaving people feeling energized and euphoric afterwards.
Haunted houses also offer a form of escapism, allowing people to immerse themselves in fantastical and thrilling scenarios far removed from everyday life. The elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects create a captivating alternate reality.
See? It's not just you loving those creepy jump scares. So, grab a pal and get spooky at some of the best haunted attractions North Carolina has to offer.
Backwoods Terror Ranch-Fayetteville, NC
Located in Fayetteville, this attraction features three terrifying haunted experiences, including Surgeon Manor.
2990 Sunnyside School Road
Fayetteville, NC 28312
Ticket info here
Stoney Point Trail Of Terror- Fayetteville, NC
Located at 7221 Stoney Point Rd, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28306. Ticket information here.
"Come see why our customer's come back year after year to support our haunted attraction. Giving our customers' memories that last and scares that are remembered for over 20 years."
Haunted Forest at Panic Point-Youngsville, NC
This popular attraction in Youngsville offers five haunted attractions, including a Haunted Forest, Dark Trail, Hayride, and more!
Located at 2808 Cedar Creek Rd, Youngsville, North Carolina 27596. Ticket info here
Phobia Haunted Trail- Leland, NC
Located in Leland, this haunted trail features live actors, fog machines, chainsaws, and strobe lights. "Phobia Haunted Trail is a Halloween haunted house attraction located at 2859 Maco Rd NE Leland NC 28451. Phobia Haunted Trail is now in it's 7th season and it only gets better and scarier. It takes about 30 minutes to survive. Phobia Haunted Trail is a Fall seasonal weekend attraction, open Friday Saturday and Sunday from 8PM to Midnight STARTIG OCTOBER 4, 2024. This is a live actor event. "
Ticket info here
Zombie Paintball Hayride-Fayetteville, NC
Offered at Black Ops Paintball in Fayetteville, this attraction combines a haunted hayride with zombie paintball shooting. Located at 2112 River Rd, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28312
Ticket info here
Hollerin Haunts Hayride- Clinton, NC
Located at 914 Bud Johnson Road in Clinton, NC, Hollerin Haunts Hayride will scare the Yell out of you! With three different terrifying haunted attractions on site, there's enough fright to go 'round! Ticket info here
