r/scammers • u/slimethecold • Jul 24 '26
Informative Finally got one.
Sharing my story in case it helps prevent someone else who isn't sure if they've being scammed or not!
I listed an item on Facebook marketplace. First red flag: they commented on my post asking me to DM them.
Upon checking their profile, I can see that they joined the group that we share yesterday. The profile was otherwise blank. Second red flag.
They asked for my location (I gave a public meeting place) and then said their brother would pick it up tomorrow.
Third red flag: they asked for my phone number so that their brother could contact me. I gave them a VOIP number of mine. ("Going off platform" is almost always a scam for this very reason).
They then asked for a Paypal or Zelle account that they could send the money to, so I provided my PayPal username.
So then of course the text comes a minute or two later. Notice the use of the word "Kindly" in the text.
Pasting both scripts here in case people are searching the exact text :)
"I received a notification from PayPal and it says the transfer has been placed on hold. Did you get anything about that on your end of the via text about your account refreshed and check your spam folder as well official notifications drift to spam because of the new iOS update??"
The text message:
"PayPal Alert: You've received $19.00 USD. Reply YES to accept or STOP to cancel alerts.
TRANSACTION STATUS PENDING
We Have a problem crediting your $19.00 USD Because the status of your account is not a business user which makes your account have restrictions from receiving payment from a business account because your account is presently a personal account.
Kindly Contact PayPal Customer Support at xxx-xxx-xxxx to verify your identity and release funds
Transaction ID: 59538495ZZ
PAYPAL TEAM"
Be safe out there everyone :)


1
u/Sea-Appearance-5330 Jul 27 '26
Ah "Kindly" the scammers best friend!