What is a Free Video Game Console (Facebook Marketplace) scam?

This is fairly common scam that is reported to us. It involves an outraged parent or ex-partner saying they are giving away their child’s or ex-partner’s video game console away for free. The catch is however, that the victim must pay for shipping. Once you pay for shipping, the scammer never sends the video game console. This is very similar to another type of scam where scammers will post on student marketplaces or student pages offering free laptops for school as part of a giveaway.

How can you stay safe?

If it is too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify sellers on FB marketplace.