Most scams eventually lead to the same moment:

A request for money.

Sometimes it is a direct request.

Sometimes it is disguised as a fee, a deposit, a bill, an emergency, a payment correction, or an “opportunity.”

But before the money leaves your hands, there is usually a moment when you still have a choice.

That is the moment to pause.

You get a message that looks important.

Your package is delayed.

Your account has been locked.

There is a problem with your payment.

Someone tried to sign in.

You need to verify your information.

And right underneath the warning is a link.

It can be tempting to click immediately.

That is exactly why suspicious links work so well.

Romance scams do not usually begin with someone asking for money.

They begin with conversation.

Attention.

Compliments.

Daily messages.

Someone who seems genuinely interested in you.

And that is exactly what can make them difficult to spot.

Facebook Marketplace can be a great place to buy and sell locally.

It can also attract scammers.

And the tricky part is that some Marketplace scams do not look suspicious at first.

The person may seem friendly.

They may respond quickly.

They may even appear to have a real Facebook profile.

But then something starts to feel off.

You get a call, text, email, or letter saying you owe money.

Maybe it’s for an old bill.

A toll.

A utility account.

A loan.

A credit card.

A medical bill.

Or something you barely remember.

Sometimes there isn’t one obvious thing that tells you something is a scam.

It’s just a feeling.

The text seems a little strange. The person is rushing you. The deal sounds almost too good. Someone is asking for information you weren’t expecting to give.

You find yourself thinking:

Does this feel off?