By: Osaremen Uwaifo
As more people turn to Facebook Marketplace to buy and sell items locally, safety concerns are also on the rise. In Jacksonville, police say some meet-up transactions have escalated into robberies.
Scrolling for a deal may seem harmless, but meeting a stranger from the internet can quickly turn dangerous. Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Christian Hancock says incidents tied to Facebook Marketplace are something the city continues to see.
“It is an issue that we’ve seen here in Jacksonville and should know that there are things that you can do to protect yourself, and that’s why we’re here,” Hancock said.
He adds that crimes are not always minor.
“Typically, it’s robberies, armed robberies, the theft. They do get violent…someone gets hit, someone gets battered. Those are the ones we typically see,” Hancock said.
That’s why law enforcement urges buyers and sellers to rethink where they meet. Hancock recommends using one of JSO’s six designated safe exchange zones across the city. If unable to meet there, he also advises to meet at locations that are well-lit and monitored. Public places such as busy gas stations, banks and libraries can also be utilized as alternatives.
Some users say they take extra precautions of their own.
“I check the reviews, I make sure that I text them first and ask as many questions as I want,” said LC, a frequent Facebook Marketplace user. “I try to take my girlfriend or someone that I know…just for the buddy system.”
Others say they even change how they present themselves online.
“Typically, I’ll use the account of a man, so no one gets an idea or two,” Emma, another user, said.
Safety experts say in addition to meeting in public, buyers and sellers should avoid sharing personal information, trust their instincts and never feel pressured to complete a transaction. If a situation feels unsafe, leave immediately and contact the police.