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Fresno woman loses $500 in Facebook Marketplace scam
Victim warns others about sophisticated peer-to-peer payment fraud
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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A Fresno woman is warning neighbors after losing $500 to a Facebook Marketplace and Zelle scam while trying to sell jewelry at a local CVS. She describes how fake emails and a bogus customer service number tricked her, while the Better Business Bureau and her bank share tips to help Fresno residents avoid similar peer-to-peer payment scams.
Why it matters
This case highlights the growing threat of sophisticated online scams targeting local residents, especially through popular peer-to-peer payment platforms and social media marketplaces. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of verifying transactions and being wary of unsolicited payment requests.
The details
The Fresno woman, whose identity was not disclosed, was attempting to sell some jewelry on Facebook Marketplace when she was contacted by a potential buyer. The buyer claimed to have sent payment via Zelle, but the woman never received the funds. She then received fake emails appearing to be from Zelle's customer service, as well as a call from a bogus support number, further convincing her that the payment had gone through. Ultimately, the woman lost $500 to the scammer. The Better Business Bureau and the woman's bank have since shared tips to help Fresno residents avoid similar peer-to-peer payment scams, including verifying transactions, being wary of unsolicited payment requests, and using credit cards instead of peer-to-peer apps when possible.
- The incident occurred in early February 2026.
The players
Fresno woman
The victim of the Facebook Marketplace scam who lost $500.
Better Business Bureau
An organization that provided tips to help Fresno residents avoid similar peer-to-peer payment scams.
What they’re saying
“We must be vigilant and verify all transactions, especially when using peer-to-peer payment apps, to avoid falling victim to these sophisticated scams.”
— Better Business Bureau spokesperson (Yourcentralvalley.com)
What’s next
The Fresno woman plans to file a report with the local police department to help warn others about this scam and potentially aid in the investigation.
The takeaway
This incident serves as a stark reminder for Fresno residents to be cautious when conducting online transactions, especially through social media marketplaces and peer-to-peer payment apps. Taking the time to verify payments and being wary of unsolicited requests can help protect against similar scams in the future.
