Warning over social media egg scam
An online scam is circulating again on social media - tempting people with “fresh organic eggs”. The post has been widely shared across the South West and beyond in recent weeks including in the Gunnislake Community Matters Facebook group (Cornwall).
The advert which appears to be posted from various fake Facebook accounts shares photos and details of hens and duck eggs for sale, offering “free deliveries”. However, people who have tried to buy have warned others not to pay via PayPal as those who have say they have paid have not received any eggs.
Eggs are advertised as being £8 for a tray of 30 hens eggs and £9 for 30 duck eggs with photographs. One person commented to share that she was “sadly scammed yesterday” adding that she felt “so cross”.
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Pauline Chapman said: “Have to watch the next few days as they always re-post using a different name or person . Same old scam though. Always report to the (Facebook page) admin.”
The fake “seller” appears to go by various names and profiles and refuses any offer for payment via cash on delivery. The “seller” asks solely for payment by bank transfer or PayPal which rang warning bells for some who were about to purchase.
Posting on one community Facebook group five days ago, Anthony Keith wrote: “Heads up the egg seller ad on here is an old and well documented scam.” One person responded, writing “I'm supposed to have eggs delivered tomorrow”.
Although the advert has been doing the rounds for some time, people are still being taken in by it. Some people that were scammed have said they were encouraged to pay via PayPal friends and family - which makes it more tricky to get money refunded.
Victims are being urged to report the scam to PayPal. You can also report an online scam to Action Fraud, the national fraud reporting service in the UK. You can report it online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
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