Multiple reports of FB Marketplace-related theft received between the 24th and 26th of December.
(Stock image)
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is urging residents to prioritise their safety if intend to meet up with any unknown individual to buy or sell items advertised online.
A police spokesperson says that three reports were received between the 24th and 26th December 2024, where an unknown individual stole an item offered for sale on Facebook Marketplace, after meeting unsuspecting sellers at three separate prearranged locations.
Inquiries are ongoing, but police say that there is a possibility that the crimes are linked. Stolen items included popular brand name electronics.
Noting the popularity of Facebook Marketplace and other similar online commerce sites, the BPS recommend the following if buying or selling items online:
Safety First
View the buyer or seller profile. Take a screenshot of it, if possible and take note of the profile’s web address (URL). Check how long the profile has been active, when it was created and how many friends the account has.
Be wary of newly created profiles that only have a few friends, or no friends at all. Also, be suspicious of promoted accounts that have testimonials from recently created profiles.
Ask for a phone number and speak to the person before meeting.
Never go alone. Bring a relative or friend along and let other family members or friends know where and when the exchange is taking place.
Meet in well-lit, public areas before the hours of darkness. Avoid inviting an unknown individual to your home.
Take note of the vehicle used by the buyer or seller, including the colour, type and its licence plate. Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately by calling 211, or 911 in an emergency.
Online reports can also be made via the BPS community portal, https://portal.police.bm.
