Public Safety Alert Issued for PayPal Scams on Facebook Marketplace
Berkley Public Safety is warning residents about PayPal impersonation scams targeting users on Facebook Marketplace. Scammers attempt to trick sellers by claiming they have sent payment via PayPal and then direct victims to fraudulent "PayPal support" phone numbers to resolve…
Detroit, MI, July 30, 2026 —
Berkley Public Safety has issued a warning to residents regarding a rise in scams targeting users of Facebook Marketplace, specifically involving PayPal impersonation.
According to the alert, scammers are approaching sellers on the platform and falsely claiming that payment has been sent via PayPal. Following this initial contact, the perpetrators then direct unsuspecting victims to fraudulent “PayPal support” phone numbers. These numbers are not associated with the legitimate PayPal service.
The scam’s objective appears to be twofold. In many instances, the scammers aim to obtain sensitive financial information from their targets. Alternatively, they may try to persuade victims to click on malicious links, which could lead to further security breaches or the installation of harmful software.
Authorities are urging Facebook Marketplace users to exercise caution and remain vigilant. It is important to verify payment directly through official PayPal channels and to be wary of any unsolicited requests for phone calls or personal financial details, especially when dealing with transactions initiated on social media platforms.
The specific timeline or the number of individuals affected by this scam was not immediately available. Berkley Public Safety advises residents to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Story summarized from the original created by Alicia Smith on www.wxyz.com, see more information here.
