Chicago Police Warn of Armed Robbers Using Fake Social Media Car Listings to Rob Victims
Chicago police have issued a warning about armed robbers who are using fake social media car listings to lure victims to meet-up locations, where they are robbed at gunpoint. This latest alert is part of a series of similar warnings from police regarding social media marketplace robbery schemes.
According to the police alert, at least two victims fell prey to this scheme after responding to online ads for a Toyota Highlander. Both victims arranged to meet the supposed seller at a designated location, only to be robbed of their cash upon arrival by a man armed with a handgun.
The first robbery took place around 2:15 p.m. on July 14 in the first block of East 103rd Street, while the second incident occurred just before 4:30 p.m. on July 27 in the 1700 block of West 119th Street.
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) stated that the offender utilized a fake social media account to advertise the vehicle and coordinate the meetings. Fortunately, the victims were unharmed, but the department emphasized the risks of conducting cash transactions with strangers.
The perpetrator is described by police as an unknown individual armed with a handgun. As the investigation unfolds, CPD urged the public to utilize police stations as meeting points for online sales and purchases to ensure safety. Anyone with information regarding these robberies is urged to contact Area Two detectives at 312-747-8273 or submit tips anonymously at CPDTIP.com referencing #P25-02-020CA.
This incident is not the first of its kind. Earlier this year, two men were charged with robbing individuals who responded to online ads. In December, a man received a four-year sentence for robbing a victim during a fake PlayStation sale. Additionally, a year ago, four people were robbed during separate online sale meet-ups in the 5100 block of South Dorchester. Prior to that, six robberies occurred in the 6300 block of South Morgan where victims were lured to complete bogus online transactions.
It is essential to remain cautious when engaging in online transactions and to prioritize personal safety above all else. The CPD’s recommendations for meeting at police stations for transactions serve as a proactive measure to mitigate risks associated with online sales.
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