Online transactions have become the norm. But now a new form of crime is developing that endangers the safety of sellers on classified ad portals. Two men were victims of robberies.

Robberies following advertisements on classified ad platforms

This became clear on the night of January 6th to 7th, 2024, when two separate robberies in Bielefeld and Soest caused a stir.

The incidents highlight the risks of meeting buyers and sellers in person and raise questions about how safe online transactions really are.

Bielefeld: Attack on laptop seller

In Bielefeld, a 27-year-old man offered to buy a high-quality laptop. The supposed deal led to a meeting at his apartment. However, the deal ended violently: the buyer, accompanied by an accomplice, beat the seller and stole the laptop. While the accomplice, a 22-year-old from Bielefeld, was held by the seller and his girlfriend and later arrested by the police, the main perpetrator was able to escape. The investigation led to another 22-year-old from Bielefeld who stated that he had bought the laptop.

The police are now investigating whether several people were involved in the robbery.

Soest: Backpack stolen from smartphone sale

A similar incident occurred in Soest on the same night. A 21-year-old man met with prospective buyers of a high-quality smartphone. After he refused the deal, he was ambushed and robbed by a group of five men.

The perpetrators, described as southern-looking with short black hair, escaped with his backpack.

Security measures in online trading

These incidents highlight the need to observe security measures when trading online.

The police recommend:

  • Do not allow strangers access to private homes.
  • Meeting in busy places in daylight.
  • For high-value items, take someone you trust with you.
  • Terminate business transactions if pressure is exerted.
  • Use of rating systems (if available) to assess trustworthiness.

Questions and answers:

Question 1: How can I protect myself when selling through classified ads?
Answer 1: Choose a public, busy place for the meeting and take someone you trust with you. Check the reviews of the buyer or prospective buyer.

Question 2: What should I do if a buyer pressures me?
Response 2: Immediately stop communication and report the behavior on the platform.

Question 3: Are there security functions on classified ad portals?
Answer 3: Many platforms offer rating systems and user profiles that can help assess credibility.

Conclusion

The recent robberies in Bielefeld and Soest make it clear that despite the convenience and efficiency of online businesses, caution is warranted. It is essential to be aware of the risks and take appropriate safety measures.

For more information and prevention tips, we recommend you subscribe to Mimikama newsletter attend online lectures and workshops

Source: Press portal

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Notes:
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