Police Want Facebook Marketplace & Kijiji Users To Beware After 'Numerous Thefts' In Toronto
Multiple suspects may be involved.
Toronto Police officer. Right: Facebook Marketplace profile on a phone.
Do you regularly shop on Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace, looking for the best deals in Toronto? Well, you might want to be careful when purchasing or selling products because there are a few thieves in the city.
The Toronto Police Service (TPS) released a press statement on Tuesday warning people about "numerous thefts" in relation to "online marketplace items."
TPS said that between December 2021 and January 5, 2023, police officers got "numerous calls" about thefts at Gulfstream Public School, located at 20 Gulfstream Rd. in Toronto.
Police reported that the sellers would advertise that they were "looking to sell small electronics" on Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace. Then, buyers would "make arrangements with the sellers to meet at Gulfstream Public School," they added.
When the seller meets with the buyer, the buyer grabs the electronics and flees the area without paying the seller.
The police believe that multiple suspects are involved in this scheme and are urging people " to use caution when meeting to buy or sell an item."
Buying and selling things on Facebook Marketplace can be a bit nerve-racking because there's always a risk that the person on the other side isn't as trustworthy as you'd hope.
So, TPS has shared some tips on things to consider when buying or selling items, which include meeting in a public place with cameras, somewhere considered a "busy area," don't go alone, and asking for ID before handling the items.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.