Facebook Marketplace Robberies Spike In Minneapolis, Cops Warn

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis Police Department is warning residents about a spike in robberies involving people trying to buy or sell items over Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.

The crimes are taking place during the planned in-person meetings. Unsuspecting victims have been robbed of the item they're trying to sell, or robbed of the money they were planning to exchange for a product.

Some victims have even been shot, police said.

Recent incidents this month have happened in Minneapolis on:

• The 5400 block of 27th Ave. S.
• The 5700 block of 24th Ave. S.
• The 700 block of Buchanan St. NE.
• The 1900 block of Johnson St. NE.

"Meeting with a stranger to make a transaction can be a dangerous situation," police MPD said.

Police provided the following tips to help buyers and sellers stay safe while meeting to make these transactions:

Transactions should only occur in a public place where there is good lighting, surveillance cameras, and with vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Police precincts, coffee shops, and public libraries are good examples of places to meet.

Never meet at your home or at a residence.

Do not disclose your personal information.

Check-out the buyer or seller’s social media profile to help determine if he or she is legitimate.

Bring a friend or family member to the transaction.

Have a complete plan in place before leaving for the meeting.

Be wary and strongly consider canceling if the person changes anything last minute.

If paying in cash, only have the payment due on hand.

Establish how funds will be exchanged. Use transaction apps when possible

Establish a specific time for the meeting

Establish a public meeting location.

Trust your instincts! If something doesn’t feel right, cancel the meeting.

Never meet at night, alone, or in an isolated area