Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose cautions the public to beware of unknown persons using online social media sites and apps to lure prospective sellers or buyers of cellular phones to meet at various locations in Newark to complete the bogus transactions.
According to police, once the victim arrives, the suspects ask to see the cellular phones or the money. The suspects then take the cellular phone or money and run away.
“The public is strongly cautioned against conducting Internet shopping with unknown people and in unknown locations,” Director Ambrose said. “Don’t become a victim. If you choose to sell a product to an unknown person you’ve met online, arrange to meet the person at one of our seven police precincts. Your safety is what matters most.”
Director Ambrose urges anyone with information about any criminal activity to call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS(1-877-695-8477). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.