You get a text message from a number you don't recognize asking a pretty normal question: "Is this still available for purchase?" Attached to the text is an image that appears to show a Facebook Marketplace listing.Maybe you're confused because you don't remember selling anything.
Then you look at the seller's name.It's yours.
That small detail could be enough to make you respond with something like, "That's not me." And that reaction may be exactly what the person behind the message wants.Security researchers at Malwarebytes are warning about a personalized text scam that uses fabricated Facebook Marketplace listings with the recipient's name as the seller.The message can create an immediate fear that someone is impersonating you online.
Here's how this scam pulls you in and what you should do if one of these texts lands on your phone.Join us for a free CyberGuy LIVE class.Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson shares practical ways to stay safer, smarter and more confident with technology.Explore classes on stopping spam, phone security, financial protection and using AI to get better healthcare.
Each class is free, easy to follow and comes with a free printable checklist.See the classes and register at CyberGuyLive.comTHE SECRET LIST THAT TELLS SCAMMERS YOU'RE AN EASY TARGETScammers are using Facebook Marketplace as the backdrop for personalized text messages designed to get people to respond.(iStock)Malwarebytes analyzed an example sent through iMessage.
The text asked whether an item was still available and included an image resembling a Facebook Marketplace listing.The clever part appears when you look at the supposed seller.
The recipient's real name is there.However, Malwarebytes noticed something strange.The profile photo did not belong to the recipient.
Researchers traced the picture to another Facebook user who happened to have the same name.That suggests the scammer may have started with a name and matching phone number.Those details could potentially come fro...