Lincoln Police report uptick in scams involving Facebook Marketplace

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lincoln Police Department is investigating a recent spike in internet scams involving Facebook Marketplace.

In the last two weeks, LPD has received about 10 to 15 reports of scams on Facebook Marketplace.

Police said the victim communicates with the “seller,” usually through Facebook Messenger, about an item for sale.

The seller then asks for half of the payment through a payment app to hold the item, according to LPD.

Shortly after, the advertisement for the item on sale is removed.

Police advise avoiding putting a down payment on an item being sold through Facebook Marketplace.

LPD offers a designated swap spot at the agency’s Northeast Team substation at 27th and Holdrege streets to minimize fraud or robberies.