Detectives Seek Robber And Offer Online Transaction Safety Tips

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Franconia Police District — Online marketplaces offer a convenient way to purchase items, but there are steps to ensure that a good deal isn’t a scam.

On August 15 at 12:46 p.m., officers responded to a strong-armed robbery call in the 7100 block of Old Keene Mill Rd. A 34-year-old man stated that he planned to meet up with someone he met online to sell two phones. The victim stated he used the Offer Up app to advertise phones he wanted to sell. During the transaction, the suspect grabbed the two phones from the victim’s trunk and tried to run away. The victim was able to grab the suspect, but a second suspect pulled the victim off. All the suspects then entered a champagne-colored, older model Chevrolet Trailblazer and fled the scene. Detectives from our Criminal Investigation Division responded and took over the investigation.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have information about this incident to call the Franconia Police Station at 703-922-0889 and ask to speak with a detective. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web –Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App and follow the steps to “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.  

How you can protect yourself:

Several of our district stations offer safe exchange zones for online purchases. FCPD encourages buyers to utilize these safe exchange zones to ensure the safety of both buyers and sellers. Below are some additional safety tips to consider when buying and selling from online marketplaces.

  1. Meet in a public place: Always arrange to meet the seller/buyer in a safe, public location, such as a coffee shop, shopping center, or police station parking lot. Several of our district stations have safe exchange zones for online purchases. Avoid secluded areas or inviting strangers to your home.
  2. Bring a friend: Whenever possible, bring a friend or family member with you when meeting a seller/buyer. Having someone else present can deter potential scams or unsafe situations.
  3. Whenever possible, complete the transaction during daylight hours. 
  4. Inspect the item thoroughly: Before finalizing the purchase, carefully inspect the item you’re interested in. Check to ensure that it is the item you intended to purchase.
  5. Trust your instincts: If the seller/buyer seems suspicious, the item appears too good to be true, or you feel uncomfortable during the transaction, trust your instincts, and consider walking away.
  6. Verify the seller’s identity: Before meeting, ask the seller/buyer for their name and contact information. Cross-reference this information with their social media profile or other online platforms to ensure they are who they claim to be.
  7. Do not share personal information: Avoid sharing personal details like your home address, phone number, or social security number. Stick to exchanging essential information related to the transaction only.
  8. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash: For more expensive items, consider using secure payment methods like PayPal or Venmo, which offer buyer protection.
  9. Avoid wire transfers or money orders: Be cautious of sellers who insist on wire transfers or money orders as payment methods. These methods are often associated with scams and provide little to no recourse if something goes wrong.
  10. Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a suspicious seller or notice any fraudulent activity on Facebook Marketplace or any platform, report it to the platform’s support or customer service immediately. This helps protect other users from potential scams.

Safety is the priority when buying or selling on any online platform. By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to scams and enjoy a safer shopping experience. If you have any further questions or need more assistance, please reach out to your district station’s Crime Prevention Unit.

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