HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011_01_05_Craigslist Scam
BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE Greg Williamson, Chief of Police ________________________________________________________________________ Contact: Sergeant Mary DeGeare Public
Information Officer 661-326-3803 mdegeare@Bakersfieldpd.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 5, 2011 The Bakersfield Police Department is asking the community to be safe and be smart when
using the Internet to sell property. Two recent, likely connected, incidents are currently being investigated by the Police Department. On 11/23/10, a victim selling an iPad on Craigslist
agreed to meet the buyer in the 4400 block of Parkwood Court. He was greeted by a Black male, 15-17 years old, 6’0” tall, and 125 pounds having black closely shaved hair wearing a black
hooded sweatshirt. The victim handed over the iPad for the suspect to inspect and the suspect ran away with the iPad without paying the victim. On 11/30/10, a victim selling a cellular
phone on Craigslist agreed to meet the buyer, also in the 4400 block of Parkwood Court. He was greeted by a Black male 20, 5’3” tall, 130 pounds, short black hair, clean shaven, wearing
a black T shirt, blue jeans and red and white tennis shoes. The suspect told the victim he was going to show the phone to his mother and never returned. Anyone with information regarding
either theft is encouraged to call Detective Brian West at 326-3553. This type of theft is becoming more and more popular, throughout the nation. The following are tips to assist persons
selling merchandise on the Internet. Creating the ad Think about security as you prepare your online advertisement. Don’t use your full name and don’t list your address or phone number.
If you use photos in your ad, make sure you just show the item for sale. Don’t include family members or any identifiable information.
Block out the license plate number on a photo of a vehicle for sale. A criminal could plug that number into a database and find out who you are and where you live. As the seller, you
need to control as much of the transaction as possible. The safest way to conduct the transaction is via e-mail. You can create a free disposable e-mail account specifically for your
online ads. Resist requests to give out your phone number. If the buyer really needs to talk to you, get their phone number and call them. Use the caller ID block on your phone to keep
the number private. Your phone book or phone service provider can explain how to do that. Meeting face-to-face With some transactions you may need to meet the potential buyer to let
them inspect the item or to complete the sale. In that case, you need to be smart. For small items that are easily transported arrange to meet in a public place, such as a coffee shop,
at a time when there are plenty of people around. Bring someone with you. If the transaction involves a significant amount of money, meet at your bank where other business people and
security cameras are sure to be and you won’t have to walk around with a lot of cash. Protect your house If you’re selling a large item, such as a refrigerator, if possible, get it out
of the house. Put it in the garage or driveway. Don’t be alone. When setting up the meeting, inform the potential buyer others will be there. Don’t let buyers in your house...ever!!!