Mobile Detailing Scams Surge on Facebook — Here’s How to Spot Them and Protect Yourself

Scammers are increasingly posing as small business owners on Facebook to deceive users. A recent trend involves fake mobile car detailing businesses that lure customers into messaging them directly for services. These scams are often difficult to distinguish from real businesses, so it’s crucial to know what to look for.

What to Watch Out For in Mobile Detailing Scams

While many legitimate mobile detailing businesses exist, scammers frequently use the same phrasing and even real business names to appear credible. These posts are typically shared in Facebook groups, describing a “small family business” run by a couple, offering enticing deals like “25% off” and assuring customers they can “pay after the service.” But here are the red flags:

• Direct Message Requests: Many posts won’t list prices, instead urging you to message the poster directly.
• Non-Local Contact Information: Be cautious if the phone number provided is from an out-of-area code.
• New or Suspicious Profile: Check the poster’s profile for signs like recent account creation or generic posts with identical wording. Look for the clock symbol next to post dates, which may indicate backdated posts, a tactic scammers use to fake longevity.

Check the Wording Across Facebook

If you’re unsure about a post, try searching for specific phrases in the post on Facebook. If similar posts appear across various accounts, it’s likely a scam.

Other Facebook Scams on the Rise

In addition to mobile detailing scams, scammers frequently impersonate air duct cleaning businesses, making nearly identical posts promising discounts and “pay-after-service” deals. Additionally, missing pet or child posts continue to be a common tactic, using vague language to appeal to emotions. Scammers often edit these posts later to include phishing links disguised as deals or rentals, so be especially cautious.

What to Do if You Encounter a Scam Post

If you come across a suspicious post, don’t engage or share it. Instead:

• Report the post to Facebook and the group admin.
• Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) if you believe the scam could affect others.

If you’ve shared a post and later suspect it’s a scam, delete it from your profile to prevent others from falling victim. Taking a moment to verify these posts can help keep social media safer for everyone.