Being a moderator for three of the largest Facebook groups in our industry, I see the same stories pop up again and again.

Buyer #1

• “I just paid someone $15,000 and never received anything.”

Buyer #2

• “This person tried to scam me, but I figured it out. Everyone beware.”

The difference is preparation. Buyer #2 asked the right questions and spotted the warning signs before losing money. The real question is, how did they figure it out

In free Facebook groups, admins cannot police every seller. Protecting yourself is not optional. Scammers often hop from one fake identity to another, so there are patterns you can watch for because they do not expect to stick around.

Here are practical tips and red flags to help you avoid getting scammed. The best approach is to work with reputable sellers whenever possible.

Common Warning Signs That a Seller May Not Be Legitimate

Red Flags in Communication

• Unsolicited messages through Facebook Messenger asking about products you commented on

• Listed product prices far below market value

• Freight prices that seem too low to be real

• Guarantees on unmanifested loads that no one can actually promise

Profile Concerns

• Brand new Facebook account

• Odd profile names

• No real profile picture

• Very few friends

• Friends that do not match the seller’s supposed location or demographic

• Multiple comments from other members claiming the seller is legitimate, especially if it seems staged

• No physical business location

• Overly formal language, for example constantly calling you sir or madam

• Choppy English in communication

Professional Habits That Raise Questions

• No online business presence

• No Google reviews

• Unable or unwilling to provide additional photos of inventory

• Does not ask for a reseller license

• No formal purchase agreement or invoice

• Only accepts unusual payment methods like CashApp or Venmo and may avoid wire transfers

• Dodges product questions or gives repetitive, vague answers

How to Verify a New Seller

Even a seemingly professional seller can be fake, so verification is crucial. Multiple warning signs without solid proof are a clear stop.

Steps to Vet a Seller

• Ask in the Facebook group for feedback from other members

• Watch for patterns if the same accounts repeatedly defend the seller

• Request official business formation documents from the IRS or the state

• Check Google reviews and ratings. Lack of reviews or poor ratings is a concern

• Look at past activity in Facebook groups and see if there are any flags or complaints

• Ask questions you already know the answers to and see if the seller responds correctly

• Consult another trusted buyer or seller for their opinion

If a seller passes this vetting process, you can move forward with more confidence. If something still feels off, walk away. There is always another deal, and no one transaction should make or break your business.

The Reality About Secret Suppliers

Do not get caught up thinking you have discovered a hidden golden ticket supplier. Very few of these exist and access is usually built over years. As a beginner, the chances of connecting with one are extremely slim. Scammers will exploit your excitement. Stick to sellers you can verify. Repeated good decisions are what build long-term success in this business, not chasing the deal of a lifetime.

Want to keep learning and connecting with verified members of the industry? Join one of our active Facebook groups where resellers, liquidators, and store owners share available loads, advice, supplier leads, and real experiences. It is a great place to ask questions, stay updated, and build valuable connections.