RCMP cautions sellers and buyers with online marketplace sales

Prince George

2024-06-25 13:58 PDT

File # 2024-20156

Prince George RCMP is cautioning those interested in buying and selling from online marketplaces to use a few safety rules when conducting transactions, after one Prince George resident was robbed of a high-priced item over the weekend.

On June 21, 2024, shortly after 8:00 p.m., Prince George RCMP received a complaint from an online marketplace seller who stated they had met up with the purchaser at the agree-upon place, when the purchaser produced a knife, demanded the merchandise, and then left the area in a pickup truck.

The seller was able to get a description of the vehicle and its last know direction of travel, which enabled police officers to catch up with the suspect vehicle quickly. The merchandise was located inside the vehicle and returned to the seller. Thankfully, no one was injured in this incident, states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.

The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Cody Lee Sullivan, was arrested and held in custody until he could attend a bail hearing. He was subsequently returned to the community on a release order with a future court date. One charge of robbery has been approved in this investigation. Mr. Sullivan is known to police.

If you are nervous about conducting online marketplace transactions and want to know how to keep yourself safe, here are a few safety tips:

• Meet in a public place, if possible, and near where other people are around. Inside of local coffee shops and grocery stores are some suggestions.
• If you are meeting in a public place, take a second person with you, such as a family member or a friend.
• If the other person is coming to your house, make sure you are not alone and try to have the item(s) already outside, so they do not have to come into your house.
• Rely on contactless pickup when possible, using secure electronic money transfers for payment.
• Follow your instincts: if something seems to good to be true, it likely is. If something about the transaction is making you question how legitimate it is, it’s best to pass on the deal and maintain your safety.

Released by:

Email: princegeorge_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: princegeorge.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Follow Us: