CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 <\/p>\n
A Corpus Christi couple selling furniture on Facebook Marketplace say they were targeted by a scammer who tried to trick them into depositing $500.<\/p>\n
Chris and MaryAnn Karner are selling their Corpus Christi home along with many of their belongings. When they connected with what appeared to be a buyer on Facebook Marketplace, what seemed like a simple sale quickly turned into a scam.<\/p>\n
A Corpus Christi couple targeted by a Facebook Marketplace scammer shares tips to avoid being scammed<\/p>\n
“We would have deposited $500 thinking it was going into Venmo but really it was going to them.” Chris Karner said.<\/p>\n
The person posing as a buyer claimed she was unable to pick up the item because she had hurt her leg, even sending MaryAnn a photo of the injury. She told the couple she would send someone to retrieve it and Venmo $30 for the purchase.<\/p>\n
“She said ‘Okay we’ll be by to pick it up.’ and then she said she really wasn’t available. She had hurt her leg and she sent me a picture of her leg.” MaryAnn Karner said.<\/p>\n
When the Venmo transaction failed to go through, the scammer asked for MaryAnn’s email address, claiming she could complete the payment that way.<\/p>\n
“And she said, ‘Well give me the email and I might be able to get to it. I sent her the email and she said ‘Okay it’s done. Look for it on your end.'” MaryAnn said.<\/p>\n
Instead of receiving money, the Karners got an email from “Venmo Services” saying they needed to deposit more than 10 times the amount of the original sale to open a Venmo business account.<\/p>\n
“And we needed to deposit $500 to start a Venmo business account.” Chris said.<\/p>\n
The scammer grew more persistent, demanding the Karners call a help line immediately. <\/p>\n
Katie Galan, Director of Education and Community Engagement with the Better Business Bureau, said that urgency is a major warning sign.<\/p>\n
“That’s always a big red flag because scammers don’t want you to have time to ask questions, to look things up, to call people and verify.” Galan said.<\/p>\n
The Karners also identified other red flags to watch for.<\/p>\n
“Commenting on the post first of all… rather than sending a private message. Also being an outside area code.” Chris said.<\/p>\n
“Don’t accept Venmo or CashApp,” MaryAnn advised. “When they arrive, have them pay you cash.” <\/p>\n
The Karners did not fall for the scam and reached out to me hoping to protect others from the same experience.<\/p>\n
“I would hate for somebody’s aunt or grandma or an elderly person selling something and they get scammed. That’s pretty scary.” MaryAnn said.<\/p>\n
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