Beware of the Latest Facebook Scams Targeting Moms
Hey there, fellow Toronto moms! Juggling parenting and life is already a roller coaster without the added hassle of online scammers trying to trick us. It seems like every other day, there’s a new scam popping up on Facebook targeting us moms. So, I thought it’d be helpful to share the lowdown on some sneaky scams that are making the rounds. Let’s keep our eyes peeled and protect our tribe!
First off, just a heads up that there’s a swarm of fake profiles on Facebook. These aren’t real people – they’re bots, and their whole game is to scam folks. These sneaky bots often try to worm their way into mom groups on Facebook. I see it every day on our community group Toronto New Moms and I wanted to share the info with all of you.
2025- Facebook scams Targeting Moms
Facebook MarketPlace Scam
As of Jan 2025, one of the top scams on Facebook involves the Marketplace.
Here’s how it goes down: You list something for sale, and soon after, you get a message from a supposed buyer. They’re interested and offer to eTransfer the payment right away, but they want to pick up the item the following week.
Once you’re on board, they send over a link that seems to direct you to accept the eTransfer through your bank, or you might get a fake email that appears legit.
But here’s where the trap is set: that link is actually a phishing scam. The moment you try to log in to your supposed bank account to accept the payment, you’re not on your bank’s website at all.
Instead, you’ve just handed over your login details to the scammers. With this info, they waste no time logging into your real bank account and transferring your money to themselves.
What to know:
- When dealing with eTransfers, you’ll receive an email directly from your bank.
If you’re uncertain about its authenticity, access your bank account by manually entering the website address in your browser instead. - Avoid clicking on any links if you’re doubtful about their source.
- Regarding transactions on the Marketplace, insist on cash payments, or agree to accept eTransfers only at the moment the item is being collected.
Part- time “work from home” Facebook scam
Scammers often target mom groups with their deceptive posts, knowing well that many moms are in search of part-time or remote work opportunities. Their aim is clear – to snatch your personal details like your name, address, email, and phone number.
The job offers they post usually include:
- Immediate need for helpers/assistants/workers (they will use the word “urgently”)
- No experience required.
- Home-based data entry jobs.
- Virtual assistant positions.
- Details of an hourly rate.
They request that you send your resume or CV through direct message on Facebook, often through a falsified profile.
What to know:
- Avoid sending your resume or sharing any personal information through direct messages.
- Request the company’s website and link to the job posting online.
- Ask specific details about the job listing.
- Genuine companies do not recruit employees through Facebook posts.
- For job hunting, stick to reputable platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and similar professional job-search websites.
Duct Cleaning/ Car detailing Fakebook scam
“My husband and I open a new business in the neighborhood”
This scam frequently occurs in Facebook local groups, often posted by profiles appearing to belong to women. They share stories of their difficult circumstances and mention that their husband has recently started a new business, seeking work opportunities in the area.
The true purpose of these scams is to gather your information and sell it to third-party leads companies. These companies then contact you through telemarketing centers, often based in India, attempting to sell you various services.
Moms looking for free stuff for their new born
This scam involves individuals claiming to be new moms in financial distress, unable to afford essentials for their baby. They seek donations from other moms, often collecting items that are in good condition. It is suspected that these items are later sold for profit, exploiting the generosity of other parents.
If you see something like that, suggest they will reach out to the group admin and the group admin can verify the member and post on their behalf
If you come across such posts, it would be wise to encourage the individual to contact the group’s administrator. This way, the admin can verify the member’s identity and authenticity of their request, and if appropriate, the admin can then post on their behalf to ensure the group’s trust is maintained.
Protect Yourself From Facebook Scammers
Here are some strategies to safeguard against scammers
1. Investigate their Facebook profile – Look into when they joined Facebook, their number of friends, and if you have friends in common (consider asking these friends about them).
2. Avoid sharing any personal details or your resume through direct messages with individuals you haven’t met in person.
3. Be wary of offers that seem overly advantageous – they are likely too good to be true.
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