Phones on Marketplace? A Warning from Recent Scams in Liverpool

It’s always a shock when someone close to you becomes the victim of a scam. Over the past few weeks, I’ve seen first-hand how some of our friends in Liverpool have been taken advantage of by scammers traveling from other cities. These fraudsters are coming into town, selling phones through online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, only to take the money and disappear. This post is meant as a warning—don’t let yourself become the next target.

How These Scammers Operate

These scams have become all too common in Liverpool recently. The people behind them aren’t local—they’re coming in from other cities specifically to target us. They know that online platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree give them an easy way to connect with potential buyers, and they use our trust in face-to-face transactions to their advantage.

The pattern is simple:

1. They list a phone at an irresistible price.
2. They rush the buyer, saying they’re in a hurry or need to get rid of the phone fast.
3. They meet in person, collect the money, hand over the phone (which is either broken, fake, or stolen), and then disappear.

These scammers usually block the victim immediately after the deal, leaving no way to get in touch. Because they’re from out of town, they can easily vanish, making it hard for victims to take any action.

Several of our neighbors have experienced the same thing, and while it’s difficult to catch these fraudsters, there are already some clues and evidence about who’s behind these scams. I know some of you may have seen similar suspicious activity or encountered these scammers in your own attempts to buy a phone. Even if you haven’t been directly involved, any information—no matter how small—can help. Some people have already shared details of cars they’ve seen or remembered specifics about the sellers that could make a difference in identifying them.

We’re at a point where we have some solid evidence, but we need more people to speak up. If you’ve noticed anything strange, or if you’ve been involved in a similar situation, your experience could be crucial in piecing together the full picture of what’s going on.

Protect Yourself and Others

In the meantime, there are steps we can all take to avoid falling victim to these scams:

• Always ask for proof of purchase or documentation. If someone is selling a legitimate phone, they should have no problem providing a receipt or some kind of history of where they got the device.
• Meet in a busy, public place. If you do choose to meet up, make sure it’s in a well-lit, crowded area. Bring a friend if possible.
• Test the phone before you hand over the money. Make sure the phone is fully functional. Check the IMEI number to ensure it isn’t stolen or locked.
• Use payment methods that offer protection. Avoid cash transactions if you can. Platforms like PayPal offer buyer protection, which gives you a better chance of recovering your money if something goes wrong.
• Trust your gut. If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Walk away if anything seems suspicious.

We’re already piecing together clues about those involved in these scams, but every bit of information helps. Whether you’ve seen the scammers in action or just want to share your concerns, now’s the time to come forward. Let’s keep each other safe and stop these fraudsters from targeting more people in Liverpool.

At the end of the day, Liverpool is a community that looks out for one another. Let’s spread the word and make sure no one else falls victim to these schemes. Stay safe out there, and remember—if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.