Tips to avoid scammers during the holidays

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The Macon County Sheriff's Office has provided tips to keep Facebook Marketplace buyers safe from scams and crime.

"Facebook Marketplace. It's a great system it gives the opportunity for people to share things they don't want at the house anymore. But obviously some people will take advantage of that," said Sergeant Scott Flannery.

Meeting in a public place, or even the parking lot of a local police department can help save people from being scammed, or even robbed.

"Never give out your personal address. I know if you're selling a bigger item it's going to be hard to drag that because you may need a truck or whatever, but if you're going to give your personal address really make sure you do some due diligence to find out the background of this person," stated Flannery.

Some populations are more vulnerable to being scanned online.

"Elderly become a little bit more victims to it and I think it's because of the technology issue that some people may not get more so than the younger generation. They'll have you on your computer and do this and older people aren't used to phone calls and computers and how they're hacking into your computer via that," said Flannery.