Two teens have been charged in connection with a series of Facebook Marketplace robberies. Between April and mid-May, police got seven reports about iPhones stolen during Facebook Marketplace transactions. In each case, the suspect posed as a buyer and told the seller they were looking for an iPhone for a family member before robbing the seller of the phone, often using bear spray, threats, or presenting a knife before leaving on foot. The robberies happened in the Richfield and Millbourne areas. On June 11, two 15-year-old boys were arrested and charged with four counts of robbery, two counts of breach of probation and assault with a weapon. The ages of the boys have not been released. Police say they have received 26 reports related to iPhone thefts as a result of Facebook Marketplace transactions resulting in seven arrests. Investigators also believe the crimes are under-reported and are encouraging anyone who has been victimized while buying on online marketplaces such as Facebook or Kijiji to come forward. When conducting online transactions people are also encouraged to meet in daytime hours and use the buy-and-sell zones in Edmonton Police Service parking lots, which are monitored by cameras. It’s also recommended to ask the buyer or seller for photo ID and take a photo for reference, take screenshots of all advertisements, the seller’s contact information, and all communications. Do not disclose that you will be paying with cash. If the seller knows you will be arriving with a large quantity of cash it is an opportunity to be robbed. More tips for buying and selling online are available on the EPS website.
