A 43-year-old woman fell victim to a Facebook Marketplace scam after a scammer took control of her Facebook profile. The scammer posted items like a couch for sale on Facebook Marketplace for $300. Local people paid for the items online and at least three people arrive at her house to pick up the couch. She now fears for her safety and has sleepless nights after her identity was stolen in this cruel scam.
Texas Woman Fears After Scammer Steals her Identity in Facebook Scam
KPRC 2 News reported that Monique Sherman from Katy, Texas "fears for her life" after a scammer stole her Facebook profile and started listing items for sale under her name and address, saying that at least 73 items were listed, including a sectional couch and a chicken coop.
Katy, TX is approximately 29 minutes from Houston.
Monique clearly remembers when she was online and Facebook was acting strange.
She told KPRC 2 News:
Monique Sherman; Photo credit: KPRC 2 News
“I was online actually posting and then it flickered and then it asked me to put in [my] password. And I was like ‘ok’ put in my password, it wouldn’t work.” -Monique Sherman, Facebook user that was hacked
This was likely the moment that the hacker was able to gain access to her account.
After that, she was locked out of her Facebook account.
The Facebook Marketplace Scam Begins
Monique started to receive strange notifications saying she was selling items on Facebook Marketplace.
She said:
“I kept on getting activity to my phone saying I’m selling this, selling that. Seventy-three things…chicken coops, all kinds of stuff.” -Monique Sherman, Facebook user that was hacked
A fraudulent ad saying she was selling a couch actually brought three people to her home, and they told her they already paid someone else for it. The messages sent from her Facebook account even "included a picture of her ID." A photo from fake ad can be seen in the picture below.
A fake couch ad on Facebook; credit: KPRC 2 News
The situation was very unsettling for Monique, given that someone had hacked her account and took her identity.
She said:
"I'm at a loss...I’m in fear for myself and I’m also upset for other people.” -Monique Sherman, Facebook user that was hacked
After unsuccessfully trying to remove the ads selling items under her profile, Monique posted a message on at least one ad to warn others that it was a scam.
Her warning read:
"THIS IS A SCAM. SOMEONE HACKED MY PAGE AND USING MY ID & ADDRESS BUYERS DO NOT PURCHASE!!!"
After the incident, Monique told KPRC 2 News she is "taking a break from social media altogether."
The KPRC 2 News video can be seen below.
It is important that you keep your social media accounts secure. If possible, enable 2-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your social media accounts.
Readers' Thoughts and Experiences
The author has received friend requests from relatives and even friends that look legitimate but have been spoofed by scammers.
Have you ever come across a fake profile on Facebook, or has your profile ever been hacked?
(Share your experiences in the comments)
Please share this article on social media so family and friends can stay informed and safe from identity theft online.
Sources
Clarke, Deven. "Facebook Marketplace scam leaves Katy woman fearing for her life after threats and people showing up at her house." KPRC 2 News. Last updated: 3 July 2023.
KPRC 2 News official Facebook profile.
KPRC 2 Click2Houston on Youtube
