A metro Detroit man was scammed while attempting to buy Lions tickets on Facebook.
The individual reported that he responded to a post on Facebook from a female selling two tickets to the Lions playoff game on January 21. He and the seller communicated via text message, agreeing on a price and arranging for payment through Venmo. The individual sent payment for the tickets to the seller, according to police.
He was subsequently asked for additional money to transfer the tickets into his name. At this time, the individual became suspicious that he had been scammed, police said.
He declined to send additional funds and came to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office to file a report.
The MCSO has been unable to reach the seller and is investigating the matter further.
The average Lions ticket is going for around $1,100.
Helpful ways to avoid scams on social media, according to police:
- Limit who can see your posts and information.
- If you get a message from a friend about an opportunity or an urgent need for money, call them. Their account may have been hacked.
- If someone on your social media rushes you to start a friendship or romance, slow down. Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Before you buy, check out the company. Search online for its name plus “scam” or “complaint.”
