{“type”:”text”,”text”:”This is Steven Chayer with the DisputeVoice Podcast Show. If you’ve ever been burned, scammed, or suspicious that something isn’t right, or perhaps you want to learn more about protecting yourself or a loved one, you’re in the right place.\n\nFacebook Marketplace can feel like the Wild West meets a digital yard sale, and folks, the outlaws are winning. Let me share seven red flags that should make you run faster than a cat with its tail on fire.\n\nFirst up, the sob story special. When sellers start with tales of sick relatives or desperate financial situations before you’ve even asked about the item, that’s like a used car salesman crying while showing you the engine. Wicked shady, if you ask me.\n\nRed flag two, payment gymnastics. They want Venmo, then CashApp, then maybe Western Union. It’s like watching someone juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle. Legitimate sellers pick one method and stick to it.\n\nThird, the phantom item syndrome. They’ve got excuses why you can’t see it in person. It’s at their cousin’s house, in storage, or my personal favorite, being cleaned. That’s like selling a house you can’t tour because the doorknobs are being polished.\n\nNumber four, urgency overload. They’re moving tomorrow, deployed overseas tonight, or have seventeen other buyers lined up. Real sellers don’t sound like infomercials with countdown timers.\n\nFifth, the price that’s too good to refuse. A thousand-dollar iPhone for two hundred bucks? That’s not a deal, that’s a fairy tale. If it seems too good to be true, it probably requires a magic bean to complete the transaction.\n\nSixth red flag, shipping shenanigans. They’ll only ship, can’t meet locally, and need special courier services. It’s like ordering lobster from a landlocked state, something’s fishy.\n\nFinally, the information interrogation. They need your email, phone, mother’s maiden name, and social security number just to discuss a coffee table. That’s more personal data than I’d share with my accountant.\n\nHere’s the deal. Trust your gut like it’s your grandmother warning you about that sketchy boyfriend. Ask specific questions about the item. Real sellers know their stuff cold. Request multiple photos with today’s newspaper in the shot. Meet in public places like police station parking lots. They’ve got cameras and cops, two things scammers hate more than garlic repels vampires.\n\nAnd never, ever send payment before seeing the goods. That’s like paying for a haircut before they pick up the scissors.\n\nThis is Steven Chayer with the DisputeVoice Podcast Show. Remember, scammers count on shaming their victims to keep them silent. DisputeVoice publishes the names and evidence online, shining a light on disputes and making sure Google puts the facts front and center for everyone to see. Check out DisputeVoice.com for the latest posts, and watch for us on the frontlines of consumer protection.”}