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HomeMy WebLinkAbout13_07_01 ARREST Craigs List Scam 13-111887 BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE Greg Williamson, Chief of Police Contact: Michaela Beard Public Information Office 661-326-3803 mbeard@bakersfieldpd.us For Immediate Release July 1, 2013 The Bakersfield Police Department has made a significant arrest in regards to a Craigslist scam involving California State University Bakersfield. The month-long investigation led to the arrest of Tope Onosohare Jelugbo, 28, for forgery, identity theft, using a computer to commit a crime, business burglary and for forging checks. Anyone with information regarding this incident or who has been a victim of this scam is encouraged to call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111 or Detective Damacio Diaz at (661) 326-3858 or Detective Blaine Craig at (661) 326-3541. Previous Release June 7, 2013 The Bakersfield Police Department is currently conducting a joint investigation with the California State University Bakersfield Police regarding a scam involving ads posted on Craigslist where the suspect is seeking a room for rent and posing as a student of California State University Bakersfield. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111 or Detective Blaine Craig at (661) 326-3541. The following are tips to assist persons buying and selling items on Craigslist: Creating the ad It’s important to think about security as you prepare your online advertisement. Don’t use your full name and don’t list your address or phone number. 13-111887 If you use photos in your ad, make sure you only show the item for sale without including family members or any identifiable information. Block out the license plate numbers on a photo of a vehicle for sale. As a seller, it’s imperative to control as much of the transaction as possible. The safest way to conduct the transaction is via e-mail. Create a free disposable e-mail account specifically for your online business. Resist requests to give out your phone number. If the buyer really needs to talk to you, get his/her phone number and call him/her. Use the caller ID block on your phone to keep your number private. 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. Arrange to meet in a public place at a time when there are plenty of people around. Also, bring a friend with you. If the transaction involves a significant amount of money, meet at your bank. When you’re the seller and receive a check for a payment, take the check into your bank and make sure the check clears before sending the item. Never accept checks for over the amount agreed upon and never agree to send overpaid money back to the buyer. Protect your house If you’re selling a large item, such as a refrigerator, if possible, move it out of the house. Put it in the garage or driveway. When setting up the meeting, inform the potential buyer others will be there. Don’t let buyers into your home! You can now send an anonymous text message to the Bakersfield Police Department. It’s quick and it’s easy. Simply enter 274637 into your phone and text BPDCRIMES along with your message. The text is sent to the police department and the sender remains completely anonymous. Tips can also be anonymously sent through the smartphone “TipSubmit” mobile App or via email at https://www.tipsubmit.com.