TOTV Specialist
11-14-2024, 02:56 PM
It has been brought to our attention that two scammers registered for user accounts last month, and attempted to contact multiple users selling items on our classifieds page. Fortunately, from our understanding, no one fell for their scam. Both of these accounts, along with any IP addresses associated with the accounts, have been permanently banned.
We want to emphasize our commitment at Talk of The Villages to keep users and sellers safe from any potential scams. We work to only allow Villagers to buy/sell in our classifieds, and also aggressively monitor any suspicious accounts through our new user moderation system. However, once in a while, a scammer will find a way through, and attempt to contact users.
In this particular case, the scammers reached out to sellers saying they are ready to buy the item for more than the asking price, and will pay with a check/cashier’s check. In addition, this particular scammer insists that a driver will come pick up the item once the payment is clear. Always avoid cashier check overs or buyers asking to pay far more than the asking price! As a buyer, avoid ever sending money to a seller before seeing an item – once money is sent, there is no way to know if you will get it back.
If you ever receive a message like this, do not respond/block the user, and instead immediately send a message to someone at Talk of The Villages.
We want to emphasize our commitment at Talk of The Villages to keep users and sellers safe from any potential scams. We work to only allow Villagers to buy/sell in our classifieds, and also aggressively monitor any suspicious accounts through our new user moderation system. However, once in a while, a scammer will find a way through, and attempt to contact users.
In this particular case, the scammers reached out to sellers saying they are ready to buy the item for more than the asking price, and will pay with a check/cashier’s check. In addition, this particular scammer insists that a driver will come pick up the item once the payment is clear. Always avoid cashier check overs or buyers asking to pay far more than the asking price! As a buyer, avoid ever sending money to a seller before seeing an item – once money is sent, there is no way to know if you will get it back.
If you ever receive a message like this, do not respond/block the user, and instead immediately send a message to someone at Talk of The Villages.