Coles employee’s online deal ends in agony: ‘I can't afford to lose it’
- Replies 31
Content warning: This article depicts violence against an elderly woman, which may be disturbing for some. Reader discretion is advised.
In the digital age, the convenience of online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace has revolutionised how we buy and sell items.
We can list an item for sale from the comfort of our homes and connect with potential buyers within minutes.
However, as with any online interaction, there is a risk; sometimes, transactions can take a devastating turn.
Rebekah Streader, a grandmother and Coles employee, was in dire financial straits.
Faced with the pressing need to maintain a stable living situation for her family, she made the tough decision to sell her prized Holden ClubSport.
With hopes of a quick and smooth transaction, she listed her vehicle on Facebook Marketplace.
It wasn't long before a man, who introduced himself as Caleb, showed interest in Streader's car.
They arranged a meeting at her home for him to inspect the vehicle. However, what should have been a straightforward process turned into a harrowing ordeal.
During the meeting, the man requested a test drive, and Streader trusted in the process and handed over the keys.
In a shocking twist, he locked the doors before she could join him, trapping her outside.
‘I was banging on the window asking him to stop because this car is something I bought years ago and I thought, “I don't want to lose it. I can't afford to lose it,”’ Streader pleaded.
In a callous act, he ran over her foot as he sped away, all witnessed by her 15-year-old son.
Streader suffered a shattered foot, requiring two surgeries and leaving her unable to walk, let alone work, for months.
As she began her recovery, Streader turned to the Facebook messages exchanged with the so-called Caleb, only to discover that he had used a fake account, complicating the efforts to track him down.
She described the man as 170 centimetres tall with a medium build and a goatee.
After the incident, Streader called on Facebook to enhance its security measures, stating that ‘it's too easy for people to be scammed and ripped off’.
‘Facebook requires significant changes immediately,’ she added.
You can watch 7News Australia’s coverage below:
Credit: 7News Australia / YouTube
In a similar story, a 76-year-old grandmother from Melbourne experienced a similar ordeal and fell victim to a carjacking crime in broad daylight.
The grandmother was shaken by the ordeal but relieved that her grandchildren were not in the car at the time. You can read more about the story here.
Our hearts go out to Streader for her speedy recovery.
Have you had a transaction done on a social media platform? How did your experience go? We’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
In the digital age, the convenience of online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace has revolutionised how we buy and sell items.
We can list an item for sale from the comfort of our homes and connect with potential buyers within minutes.
However, as with any online interaction, there is a risk; sometimes, transactions can take a devastating turn.
Rebekah Streader, a grandmother and Coles employee, was in dire financial straits.
Faced with the pressing need to maintain a stable living situation for her family, she made the tough decision to sell her prized Holden ClubSport.
Streader sustained a severe foot injury following a mishap during a car sale. Credit: 7News Australia / YouTube
With hopes of a quick and smooth transaction, she listed her vehicle on Facebook Marketplace.
It wasn't long before a man, who introduced himself as Caleb, showed interest in Streader's car.
They arranged a meeting at her home for him to inspect the vehicle. However, what should have been a straightforward process turned into a harrowing ordeal.
During the meeting, the man requested a test drive, and Streader trusted in the process and handed over the keys.
In a shocking twist, he locked the doors before she could join him, trapping her outside.
‘I was banging on the window asking him to stop because this car is something I bought years ago and I thought, “I don't want to lose it. I can't afford to lose it,”’ Streader pleaded.
In a callous act, he ran over her foot as he sped away, all witnessed by her 15-year-old son.
Streader suffered a shattered foot, requiring two surgeries and leaving her unable to walk, let alone work, for months.
As she began her recovery, Streader turned to the Facebook messages exchanged with the so-called Caleb, only to discover that he had used a fake account, complicating the efforts to track him down.
She described the man as 170 centimetres tall with a medium build and a goatee.
After the incident, Streader called on Facebook to enhance its security measures, stating that ‘it's too easy for people to be scammed and ripped off’.
‘Facebook requires significant changes immediately,’ she added.
You can watch 7News Australia’s coverage below:
Credit: 7News Australia / YouTube
In a similar story, a 76-year-old grandmother from Melbourne experienced a similar ordeal and fell victim to a carjacking crime in broad daylight.
The grandmother was shaken by the ordeal but relieved that her grandchildren were not in the car at the time. You can read more about the story here.
Have you had a transaction done on a social media platform? How did your experience go? We’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
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