April 1st 2024.
According to a recent report by CBS News Chicago, a string of robberies has been taking place in Chicago's South Side neighborhood, and the suspect is using social media as a tool to target his victims. The individuals who were robbed had gone to meet a man in the Englewood neighborhood, either to purchase an item he had listed for sale or to sell something to him. However, instead of a legitimate transaction, they were faced with a gun and robbed at gunpoint. It is believed that the suspect used Facebook Marketplace to set up these unsuspecting victims.
As reported by CBS News, the first three incidents occurred on March 6, March 14, and March 15. In each of these cases, the victims had arranged to meet the man and were then approached with a gun. Police have described the suspect as a Black man between the ages of 19 and 25, wearing a black hoodie and black pants. However, since the initial report, he has struck again at least three more times, with two of the incidents occurring on the same day.
According to authorities, the thief would post ads on Facebook Marketplace for mobile phones, either selling or buying, in order to lure his victims to a specific location. All of the reported robberies took place at the same location, near 63rd and Morgan. Police are urging anyone with information about these crimes to contact the Bureau of Detectives—Area 1.
Sadly, this type of crime is not limited to Chicago. In a similar incident, a man named Jaylen Anderson was arrested in Atlanta after allegedly cheating several people out of over $200,000 in a real estate scam using fake listings on Facebook Marketplace. He now faces multiple charges, including theft by deception and identity theft, and is currently in jail.
It is important to be cautious when using social media and online marketplaces, as there are individuals who may take advantage of unsuspecting victims. If something feels suspicious or too good to be true, it's always best to trust your instincts and avoid potential dangers. Let's all stay safe and look out for one another.
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