For a few years, people use online platforms, like Facebook Marketplace, to sell and buy items. While this method is more convenient for people than actually holding a lawn sale, it does come with a downside. It makes it easier for criminals to lure their victims.
Using Platforms to Lure Victims
For example, in 2009, Philip Haynes Markoff, Richard Beasley, and many others, utilized Craigslist to lure unsuspecting victims into their webs of deception. They would lure them in under the false pretenses like babysitting jobs, items for sale, or hiring their victims. Some of these unsuspecting individuals were merely robbed, however, a few had their lives taken from them.
Shortly there after, individuals fell into the hands of other criminals who lured them in from Facebook Marketplace. In these cases, suspects would meet up with their victims under the pretenses of selling/buying items, instead they would rob them. In some instances, they not only stole the victims money and what they brought to sell, but they would precure their vehicles as well.
Unfortunately, criminals don’t always need to meet up in order to rob people. Advancements in technology has allowed them to scam some individuals without them ever having to leave their homes. In these cases, they offer housing, products, etc. and all the people need to do is send them a deposit, money for credit checks, or down payments, only to be ghosted afterwards. Furthermore, some send out applications for their unsuspecting victims to fill out. Thus, allowing them to gather crucial data that can be used in identity theft.
Facebook Marketplace Incidents
In June 2023, robbers in New York lured their victims claiming they wanted to purchase items they had for sale. In one incident, a man showed up to a meeting with his stepson and mother-in-law. The man had listed an Xbox for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
Not long afterward, a person inquired about the gaming device saying they were interested. On the day of the robbery, two men approached the man’s vehicle. Immediately, they began making the Xbox seller nervous — grabbing at things and acting aggressive. The man stated he had enough and wasn’t going to follow through with the sale, and the men attempted to pull the items from the man as they pulled a gun.
In April this year, Chicago Police officers issued a warning after two individuals were robbed when they attempted to purchase a vehicle found on Facebook Marketplace. Similar to the New York incident, they set up a meeting to purchase the item. However, in these cases, the individuals were met by a woman initially. Then, three men would appear displaying handguns while demanding money.
Recent Victims of Facebook Market Place Crimes
Last week, three separate robberies took place on Chicago’s South Side. Each of these victims arranged to meet up to purchase a motorcycle/dirt bike listed on Facebook Marketplace. However, when the victims arrived at the location, they were approach by three-to-five individuals. At gunpoint, the victims were told to hand over their property, according to a CPD community alert.
In one of the robberies, the victim was pushed to the ground and beaten before his belongings were stolen. All of the thefts took place in the morning hours. The incidents occurred over a three day period — Thursday, Friday, and Sunday — in the 7200 block of South Langley Avenue in Park Manor.
In anyone has any information they are asked to contact Area One detectives at (312) 747-8384.
Staying Safe
When agreeing to purchase something from a person off of Facebook Marketplace or anywhere else online, it is essential to keep ones safety in mind. For example, if something sounds too good to be true, it may in fact be a scam. Don’t give out personal information, like home address, if at all possible.
However, if need be, make sure to let people know what is happening and when. If at all possible, have more people with you. While this doesn’t necessarily mean a person won’t be robbed, it may deter the suspect. If meeting up somewhere, have that be a highly trafficked public spot.
Be observant of the surroundings. It may help you spot danger ahead of time, let you see the type of vehicle the other person is in, or what direction they came from. Additionally, really look at the person(s) you are having the meeting with. Meaning, take in any unique feature or distinguishing fact about that person. This like:
- The person’s estimated height and weight.
- Eye color.
- Hair color.
- Skin color.
- Do they have a tattoo or scar. What does it look like?
- The person’s teeth (are they missing any, wear grills, are they stained yellow).
- When they talk do they have an accent or pronounce words different than other people.
Things like that can help the authority find and prosecute the offenders.
When Being Robbed
In addition to being aware it is best to remember to stay calm when being confronted by an assailant. This is easier said than done, understandably so, however, remaining calm can help people stay focused and alive.
Furthermore, it is never advised to attack or pursue the assailant. It is hard to say what kind of outcome would happen if this is done. Instead, stay put or seek out help immediately. Additionally, if a witness to the incident approaches, gather up contact information before they leave. Doing so can help ensure the detectives are able to gather all the facts they can.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
CBS News: Victims robbed at gunpoint while trying to purchase vehicle from Facebook Marketplace
A&E: Richard Beasley, Philip Markoff and Others: The Many Faces of the Craigslist Killer
ABC News 10: Robbers again luring victims through FB Marketplace
Fox News 32: Chicago police issue warning about Facebook Marketplace robberies
Featured Image Courtesy of Tony Webster‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of Sheena Robertson
Second Inset Image Courtesy of nick@‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
