Police Officers issue advice to buyers and sellers after two local robberies

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Derbyshire Constabulary officials have issued safety advice for anyone buying or selling items on Facebook after two reports of robberies, one in the Erewash borough.

Reports were received regarding two people being threatened with knives after meeting people they had agreed to sell mobile phones to using the social media network’s Marketplace feature.

The incidents occurred in Long Eaton on 8th April and Derby on 9th April when the phones were stolen after the threats and no payment was received.

People are being urged to take precautions when selling items in this way, and to report anything suspicious to police.

Safety tips include:

• Check the person’s Facebook profile. Scammers will often pose as someone else, creating fake profiles that have only recently been set up and have very few friends and posts
• If possible, arrange to meet in a well-lit, public place
• Take a friend with you – if you’re meeting a buyer/seller have someone with you and make sure other people know where you are going
• Only use legitimate payment methods and don’t be pressured into using platforms you aren’t comfortable with
• Remember if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to walk away

For more crime prevention advice, visit this link.

Crimes can be reported via various non-emergency routes. Click here for more information.