Manitou Springs, Colo. – The Manitou Springs Police Department is urging local residents to be cautious of a new scam circulating on Facebook Marketplace, which has already resulted in significant financial losses for at least one victim.
According to authorities, the scam begins when a would-be buyer contacts a seller on the platform, expressing interest in an item. However, instead of completing the transaction directly, the scammer convinces the seller to follow a series of false instructions, supposedly sent by Venmo support. The fraudulent buyer claims they are experiencing issues sending payment and sends a manipulated screenshot suggesting the seller must send money to resolve the situation.
In this recent case, the scammer allegedly sent a fake email, purportedly from Venmo support, instructing the seller to make a payment in order to “expand” their Venmo account. Believing the email was legitimate, the victim complied, ultimately losing hundreds of dollars in the process.
The Manitou Springs Police Department has issued a series of recommendations to help residents avoid falling victim to similar schemes:
- Never share personal or financial information with unknown buyers or sellers.
- Be skeptical of messages that suggest there are payment issues requiring additional action.
- Verify all transactions directly through the official Venmo app, and avoid using links or instructions provided via email.
- If fraud is suspected, discontinue communication immediately and report the incident to both Venmo and your financial institution.
Police are encouraging anyone who suspects they may have been targeted by this scam to contact the Manitou Springs Police Department at 719-390-5555 for assistance.
As scams like these continue to rise in online marketplaces, experts recommend exercising caution and taking extra steps to protect personal financial information when buying and selling online.
