Susie found a trailer for sale online and arranged to pick it up. She had no idea what was waiting for her: this is her warning every Aussie needs to hear
A woman has shared an urgent warning after losing her deposit in a Facebook Marketplace scam.
Susie*, who is deaf, was looking for a new caravan with her partner when they thought they had found the perfect one.
The couple paid a $150 deposit when they were given an address where they were told the trailer was being kept.
The couple drove more than an hour and a half to inspect it.
When they were about ten minutes away from the address, Susie received a text from the salesperson saying they would be late.
Susie, who is deaf and whose name has been changed, was looking for a new trailer on Facebook Marketplace with her partner when they were given a fake address after paying more than $150 for a deposit
After paying the deposit to the alleged scammer, the couple drove for more than an hour and a half to inspect the trailer, which turned out to be a fake address.
Although once they arrived Susie believed something was wrong, they decided to park in front of the house and wait.
After waiting more than an hour, Susie texted them, but they didn’t respond.
‘“We felt very confused, tired and frustrated as we waited for them to respond,” she said.
The couple then realized they had been given a false address.
Susie later discovered that the Facebook “seller” had impersonated other accounts to look legitimate.
Susie told me 7News they were devastated that she and her partner had wasted both their time and money.
She feels as if they have been targeted by the scammer and hopes her story can help warn others.
‘THere are people selling stuff, under different names, and then selling the same stuff over and over again,” she said.
Susie said that despite contacting her bank first thing the next morning, there wasn’t much they could do.
The alleged victim also reported this to Facebook marketplace, but does not think they have taken any action.
Susie later discovered that the Facebook “seller” had impersonated other accounts to look legitimate
“I strongly believe they should keep an eye on these types of people or do something about it.”
Anyone who believes they have been scammed should contact their financial institution immediately.
People can report any financial losses to ReportCyberan online police reporting portal for cyber incidents.
Victims of fraud can also report an incident Scam watch to assist with education and awareness activities.
If your personal information has been compromised, you can access support at IDCARE.
Daily Mail Australia contacted Meta for comment.
* Name changed