Cheap iPads sold on Craigslist to lure buyers into parking lots to be robbed

[Lone Crusader]

iMore

Cheap iPads are being listed on Craigslist with a view to lure potential buyers to quiet car parks where they’re being robbed, sometimes at gun point. The latest scam comes from Uniontown, Fayette County and WTAE has the full story.

Police said two people who tried to buy iPads listed for sale on Craigslist were robbed in Uniontown, Fayette County. In each case, an iPad was being offered at a low price, and the interested buyers were lured for an in-person meeting. "However, when they arrived in Uniontown, they were instead met by armed men who, at that point, robbed them," Police Chief Jason Cox said. The incidents happened on Dunlap and Hickle streets.

Police told Channel 4 Action News investigator Paul Van Osdol that each victim was robbed of several hundred dollars. One was forced at gunpoint to withdraw money from an ATM. "The victims were pretty shaken up, and it was very clear they were totally unaware of what they were walking into," Cox said.

These types of scams appear to be happening all over the U.S. and all over the world too; we have heard reports of similar types of scams, not that long ago in the UK. That particular scam involved iPhone and iPads in sealed boxes which when opened were filled with water bottles or potatoes.

Deals like these are always a tempting way to grab yourself an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch at a knock down price but you must use a bit of common sense; if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is too good to be true so stay well away. If you can’t pass up on a deal, make sure you at least arrange to meet any potential sellers in a very public place, not in a car lot, late at night.

Have you bought any Apple products through Craigslist or eBay? What advice would you offer to buyers so they can remain safe during a buying meet up?

 

[Jason Bourne]

Its really simple folks... wether a deal is too good to be true or not... wether your the buyer or seller... ALWAYS MEET IN A HIGHLY PUBLIC PLACE for private sales and you will be fine. Meeting inside a busy coffee shop I find is just about the perfect place for private sales.

Shame there are people out there doing this stuff though.

 

[jefXfree]

Its really simple folks... wether a deal is too good to be true or not... wether your the buyer or seller... ALWAYS MEET IN A HIGHLY PUBLIC PLACE for private sales and you will be fine. Meeting inside a busy coffee shop I find is just about the perfect place for private sales.

Shame there are people out there doing this stuff though.

Yeah. I ALWAYS meet and exchange money INSIDE a busy place. Then if I think I can trust the person I go to my car that's parked far (generally) from theirs and located near the entrance to the store. Then I go back inside and wait for them to leave while I browse.

 

[Jason Bourne]

Yeah. I ALWAYS meet and exchange money INSIDE a busy place. Then if I think I can trust the person I go to my car that's parked far (generally) from theirs and located near the entrance to the store. Then I go back inside and wait for them to leave while I browse.

exactly!!! a little common sense goes a long way.

 

[biscuitnoir]

Best advice in the world: stay away from Apple products

 

[Lone Crusader]

Best advice in the world: stay away from Apple products

 

[Colombianlove41]

Or get a friend to snipe from a rooftop to cover you...works for Colombians and DeNiro in HEAT...