iPhone 6 owners targeted by thieves through Gumtree
THIEVES are using online marketplaces like Gumtree to target people selling mobile phones, meeting up with them and running off with their devices.
South East
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CASEY Police are alarmed at a spate of thefts of mobile phones across the city, after they have been advertised for sale online through Gumtree.
Detective Senior Sergeant Rodney Maroney said in most cases, the phones, typically iPhone 6 models were stolen as sellers tried to conclude the sale.
“I should stress, this is in no way Gumtree’s fault,” Sen-Sgt Maroney said.
“Usually, the seller is approached by the person posing as a buyer, who arranges a meeting, often in a shopping centre but sometimes even at the seller’s home,” he said.
“The buyer asks to insert his SIM card into the phone to check that it is not locked, or may ask to see any accessories that go with it. While the phone is in his hands and the seller is distracted, the buyer makes a run for it and usually escapes without trace.”
Sen-Sgt Maroney said the scam had become more popular with television retailers now frequently offering free iPhone 6 models with TV set purchases.
“Often, the buyer already has a current model phone and seeks to sell the one that came with the TV set through Gumtree. We have no problem with that, but there is a real need to take care when dealing with people claiming to be buyers, at least until you have clear evidence of their identity,” Sen-Sgt Maroney said.
He said police were particularly worried disputes over the transactions could become violent if either party became distressed at progress.
Anybody who has been caught up in the scam should report it through Crime Stoppers.