Ripley County sheriff warns of Facebook Marketplace scam after reported theft

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

RIPLEY COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Ripley County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a social media marketplace scam after a woman reported money was taken from her Cash App account.

The sheriff’s office received the theft complaint Aug. 11. The victim told investigators she had listed an item for sale on Facebook Marketplace and received a message from someone claiming to be interested in buying it.

According to the sheriff’s office, the person sent a payment that was $500 more than the item’s sale price and then sent the victim a link with instructions to screen-share with a third party to verify her identity.

Investigators said the screen-sharing process gave the person access to the victim’s phone and Cash App account. The $580 allegedly sent by the person, along with a small amount of the victim’s existing balance, was then withdrawn from the account.

The sheriff’s office is urging people selling items through social media to be cautious when a buyer offers to pay more than the asking price.

Officials also warn residents not to provide personal or account information or give an unknown person access to their devices.