Swindon Police have launched a witness appeal after a suspect threatened a victim with a knife during a trade agreed in an online marketplace.
The incident happened on 3 January in Chives Way, Swindon, between 5pm and 6pm.
The suspect had advertised a coat on an online marketplace, and when the victim met with the suspect and handed over cash, the suspect refused to hand over the coat, threatening the victim with a knife.
A police spokesperson said: "Anyone that may have witnessed the incident, or has Ring Doorbell footage, is asked to get in contact with us on 101 quoting reference 54250000931.
"An 18-year-old man has been arrested in connection with this incident and has been bailed while enquiries continue.
"We would also like to remind people of the dangers of using non-regulated marketplaces to buy and sell goods.
"Private marketplaces are often used by criminals and rogue traders whose intention it is to fraudulently sell items online.
"Please be careful when using private marketplaces that do not conform to the same standards as regular stores as you are much more open to being scammed or a victim of crime."
The police have issued a list of things for people to look out for in order to avoid being targeted:
- Is the seller using a new or blank account? Do they have any negative reviews suggesting they aren't who they say they are?
- Does the price seem too good to be true? It probably is.
- Is the seller unwilling for secure payment such as bank transfer? If so, there may be an ulterior motive.
- Where does the seller want to meet for you to look at or buy the product? Always try to meet in a public place to avoid any dodgy dealings.
The suspect had advertised a coat on an online marketplace, and when the victim met with the suspect and handed over cash, the suspect refused to hand over the coat, threatening the victim with a knife.
A police spokesperson said: "Anyone that may have witnessed the incident, or has Ring Doorbell footage, is asked to get in contact with us on 101 quoting reference 54250000931.
"An 18-year-old man has been arrested in connection with this incident and has been bailed while enquiries continue.
"We would also like to remind people of the dangers of using non-regulated marketplaces to buy and sell goods.
"Private marketplaces are often used by criminals and rogue traders whose intention it is to fraudulently sell items online.
"Please be careful when using private marketplaces that do not conform to the same standards as regular stores as you are much more open to being scammed or a victim of crime."
The police have issued a list of things for people to look out for in order to avoid being targeted:
- Is the seller using a new or blank account? Do they have any negative reviews suggesting they aren't who they say they are?
- Does the price seem too good to be true? It probably is.
- Is the seller unwilling for secure payment such as bank transfer? If so, there may be an ulterior motive.
- Where does the seller want to meet for you to look at or buy the product? Always try to meet in a public place to avoid any dodgy dealings.
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