CENTREVILLE, Va. — A man who police say stole a car during a Facebook Marketplace meet-up has been arrested and charged.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, the suspect contacted the victims, two men, expressing interest in a car they were selling through Facebook Marketplace.
On Sunday, June 9, police say the suspect inspected the interior of the car and told the men to get out, and then a fight ensued. The suspect fled the area prior to police arriving on the 14600 block of Seasons Drive.
The police department identified the suspect as Rodney Hart Jr., 25. Hart has been charged with carjacking and two counts of abduction. He is currently being held without bond.
The Fairfax County Police Department recommends using these safety tips when buying and selling with online marketplaces to avoid risks and potential scams.
- Meet in a public place: Always arrange to meet the seller/buyer in a safe, public location, such as a coffee shop, shopping center, or police station parking lot. Several of our district stations have safe exchange zones for online purchases. Avoid secluded areas or inviting strangers to your home.
- Bring a friend: Whenever possible, bring a friend or family member with you when meeting a seller/buyer. Having someone else present can deter potential scams or unsafe situations.
- Complete the transaction during daylight hours, whenever possible.
- Inspect the item thoroughly: Before finalizing the purchase, carefully inspect the item you’re interested in. Check to ensure that it is the item you intended to purchase.
- Trust your instincts: If the seller/buyer seems suspicious, the item appears too good to be true, or you feel uncomfortable during the transaction, trust your instincts, and consider walking away.
- Verify the seller’s identity: Before meeting, ask the seller/buyer for their name and contact information. Cross-reference this information with their social media profile or other online platforms to ensure they are who they claim to be.
- Do not share personal information: Avoid sharing personal details like your home address, phone number, or social security number. Stick to exchanging essential information related to the transaction only.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash: For more expensive items, consider using secure payment methods like PayPal or Venmo, which offer buyer protection.
- Avoid wire transfers or money orders: Be cautious of sellers who insist on wire transfers or money orders as payment methods. These methods are often associated with scams and provide little to no recourse if something goes wrong.
- Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a suspicious seller or notice any fraudulent activity on Facebook Marketplace or any platform, report it to the platform’s support or customer service immediately. This helps protect other users from potential scams.
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