Beware Facebook Scams

I recently advertised a table for sale on Facebook Marketplace.  In no time at all, I was contacted by 3 different scammers.  they all had the same modus operandi.  I played one along with one to see how the scam progressed and made screenshots of the conversation.  See how this works below.  I have highlighted the Red Flags that you should look out for if you are approached in this way.
Scammers will either use or sell your information to steal your identity.  I withhold my name and full address until I'm confident about who I am dealing with..

I went to Grace's Facebook page to see if she was local.  Her profile told me that she was 3,200 miles away in Blainville, Quebec, Canada.

​The nonsense about cash in an envelope and multiple courier companies is also a huge red flag.  I would advise you to end the conversation at this point and block the person.
I quickly made a new email address for this as it will be mercilessly spammed
No genuine person would ask you to pay something on the promise that the courier collecting the item will have an envelope full of cash for you.  

The email

​ServiceOfficiel Fedexexpress <[email protected]>To:
  • You

Sat 19/11/2022 17:55is email is sent to you by FEDEX EXPRESS International ,thanks for answering.
 
                 Welcome to FEDEX EXPRESS .                                    

                  FEDEX EXPRESS PENDING                                   
 
  
      Dear Mr / Mrs;  Barry Ley

We record this Saturday, 19 November 2022 a mail deposit of an amoun of 167,23£ on behalf of  Barry Ley  issued by Mr / Mrs Grace 
, which will be delivered to your home.
REASON FOR SENDING: Payment of goods purchase / Cash payment
 
  •   Last name :     Barry              
                     First name :    Ley                          

             E-mail adress : 
    @outlook.com
 
  •  Time of payment : 10am         
  • Amount of Goods : 80£
    Insurance costs : 87,23£
    Amount to ship : 167,23£


    Regarding the package, you will have one of our Cedex Express  agents at your home on the date and time given once the transaction is finalized.
       

    Note: it is imperative to send us by replying to this email with one (1) 167,23£ PCS Mastercard top-up card    .
    Upon receipt and approval of the codes after verification, your money order will be sent to you immediately. You will receive it by post within one (1) day maximum, from the time of receipt of the PCS Mastercard reload codes.
    Do you have questions or comments about your mail or the rules? Please contact us at [email protected]
    Do you have questions or comments about your mail or the rules? Please contact us at [email protected] or Wait for our call
    Sincerely, FEDEX EXPRESS

  • The entire FEDEX EXPRSS team wishes you a pleasant day.
FEDEX EXPRESS Team
Thank you for your understanding.  
This email is sent to you automatically, please do not reply to it.
This email is littered with red flags:
  • No major company would use a gmail account 
  • the spelling and grammar are appalling
  • Insurance would not be greater than the value of the item insured
  • The emial also asks me to pay both the £87.23 for the insurance and the £80 that I am asking for the table
  • If anyone asks you to pay with a pre-loaded credit or gift card, it is a scam
The scammer then disappeared for a couple of days