Orlando police investigate 8 thefts involving buy and sell apps

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police are warning that popular buy and sell websites and apps are being used by thieves to steal from sellers.

Police said they have investigated eight cases in the last four weeks where people meet someone from an app to sell something, only to have it stolen from the would-be buyer.

One seller, who asked not to be identified, said he used the app OfferUp for months without an issue until about three weeks ago when he met up with a car full of potential buyers for his two phones.

“Driver is a guy, a girl is next to him and there are three people in the back,” the victim said.

He said a passenger got out of a mocha-colored Honda and asked to check out the phones.

After 10 minutes of friendly chatter, the stranger, still holding the phones, made a quick dive toward the vehicle.

“As soon as I stepped back, he jumped back in the car and he’s gone,” the victim said.

He said he met the buyers in a business parking lot.

Orlando police said the incident is part of a bigger wave of nearly identical crimes in the past few weeks.

“I think they just feel secure in the ease of being able to take the items and leave without being identified,” said Detective April McConnell of the Orlando Police Department.

She encourages people to report the thefts.

“They’re not unsolvable. So we say, report them because sometimes we’re able to catch these people,” said McConnell.

Most apps that allow people to buy and sell items, including OfferUp and Letgo, suggest the use of public places to complete transactions, but police said it’s not always enough.

They said the exchange zone at the police station is a seller’s safest bet because it’s lit well and has cameras.

Police said being a good witness is also helpful; remember the seller or buyer’s appearance, car and tag number.

Cox Media Group