Online Transaction Thefts - Public Awareness. Suspects utilizing online sale sites to set up fraudulent sales. 
The City of Muskegon Police Department has recently seen an increase in larceny complaints related to online transactions. Suspects are utilizing Facebook pages to contact sellers on sites such as Facebook Marketplace and are arranging a time and place to meet. At the meet, the suspects have been fleeing on foot with the property without paying for the items. Identified suspects have primarily been juveniles.
Citizens are encouraged to be cautious when meeting strangers from online marketplaces to purchase goods. The Muskegon Police Department is suggesting citizens utilize a "safety zone" to engage in transactions, such as a local police department. It is suggested citizens do not partake in transactions with individuals using Facebook pages without a real name or any identifying photographs on them.
In anyone has information on individuals utilizing the above tactics please call the Muskegon Police Department at 231-724-6750 or Silent Observer at 231-722-7463
Address/Location
Muskegon Police Department
980 Jefferson Street
Muskegon, MI 49440
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 231-724-6750