Ibok-awan Ibok Eyo

I’m so sorry to hear that you were scammed. Social media scams like this one are unfortunately quite common, and scammers have gotten more sophisticated in disguising themselves as legitimate sellers. Let’s go over some steps you can take right now, plus a few preventive tips for future situations.

Immediate Actions to Take

1. Report the Facebook Account: Start by reporting the scammer's profile on Facebook. Social platforms like Facebook have options to report profiles for fraudulent activity, especially if they are using the platform to conduct scams. You can find this option by going to the profile, clicking on the three dots, and selecting “Find Support or Report Profile.” This can help prevent them from scamming others.
2. Notify Your Bank: Since the transaction went through a Moniepoint account, reach out to your bank and Moniepoint's customer service with any proof of the transaction. They might not be able to refund the money directly, but they could help you investigate further and, in some cases, block the scammer’s account to prevent further fraud.
3. Report to Local Authorities: In Nigeria, you can report the scam to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Nigerian Police Force. While it may seem like a long shot, local authorities have had success in tackling online fraud cases, especially when there's sufficient evidence.
4. Add the Scam to ScamCheckup.com: Since you’ve already reported it on ScamCheckup, great! The more platforms this report appears on, the less likely others are to fall for it. You can also submit a report to other scam-prevention sites, especially those popular within Nigeria.

1. Verify Seller Profiles: If you’re purchasing on social media, especially from new or personal profiles, check for red flags: a limited number of posts, very few interactions on posts, or inconsistencies in their profile info. Reach out to past buyers (if any are visible) or even search the username on scam-reporting platforms to see if they’ve been reported previously.
2. Check Payment Method: Be cautious if someone insists on direct bank transfers or payments via unfamiliar platforms. Scammers often prefer methods that make it difficult to retrieve money. For online purchases, try to use payment services that offer buyer protection, like PayPal, if available. This way, you can dispute transactions if the seller doesn’t deliver.
3. Use Reverse Image Searches: A simple reverse image search of the product photos can be revealing. Scammers often use images stolen from other websites. By doing a reverse image search, you may find the same items posted by other accounts or even see a warning if the image is linked to scam reports.
4. Establish a Small Test Transaction: If you absolutely must proceed with a purchase from an unverified seller, consider negotiating a small “test purchase” first to reduce risk. Scammers usually balk at smaller transactions, as it isn’t worth their time if they sense you’re testing their credibility.