Man suffers serious injuries in Facebook Marketplace scam gone wrong
- Replies 18
In the digital age, the convenience of online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace has revolutionised how we buy and sell goods.
With a few clicks, we can find a treasure trove of items for sale, from second-hand furniture to high-end electronics, all within our local area.
However, as we all know, convenience can come with a risk, and the story of one Australian photographer serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of online transactions.
Stanley Yee, a 27-year-old photographer from Rosebery, learned this hard way when what seemed like a straightforward sale turned into a harrowing ordeal.
Mr Yee had listed his camera, valued at $1700, on Facebook Marketplace, hoping to find a buyer.
He thought he had struck gold when an interested party contacted him.
They arranged to meet at the bustling Manly Ferry in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, a public place many would consider safe for such exchanges.
Upon arrival, Mr Yee met the buyer waiting in his car. After showing the camera and agreeing on the price, Mr Yee handed over the cash, expecting a smooth transaction.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when the seller handed over a camera box but kept the actual camera on the passenger seat and drove off in haste.
In a desperate attempt to retrieve his money, Mr Yee chased after the car and reached inside the vehicle, spotting the cash on the dashboard.
The seller sped up, dragging Mr Yee for about 10 meters before he was pushed to the ground, suffering injuries to his chest, arms, and legs.
Witnesses quickly came to his aid, and an ambulance was called.
The aftermath of the incident was just as shocking. The box contained a worthless camera, valued at around $50, a far cry from the high-quality equipment Mr Yee had hoped to sell.
Fortunately, Mr Yee had the presence of mind to provide the police with the man’s Facebook and PayPal details, which turned out to be legitimate.
The police tracked down the seller and brought him to the Manly Police Station, where he refunded the money in exchange for returning the worthless camera.
The seller claimed it was all a 'misunderstanding,' and the police let him go without pressing charges, as Mr Yee had no financial loss after the refund.
However, Mr Yee, still shaken and injured, has engaged a lawyer in hopes of pressing assault charges against the alleged scammer.
He is speaking out because he noticed the same camera relisted on Facebook Marketplace, raising concerns that others might fall victim to a similar scam.
Have you ever experienced or heard of a similar incident while using online marketplaces? If so, how did you handle the situation? How do you stay safe when meeting buyers or sellers online? Let us know in the comments below.
With a few clicks, we can find a treasure trove of items for sale, from second-hand furniture to high-end electronics, all within our local area.
However, as we all know, convenience can come with a risk, and the story of one Australian photographer serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of online transactions.
Stanley Yee, a 27-year-old photographer from Rosebery, learned this hard way when what seemed like a straightforward sale turned into a harrowing ordeal.
Mr Yee had listed his camera, valued at $1700, on Facebook Marketplace, hoping to find a buyer.
An Australian photographer was scammed and injured during a Facebook Marketplace deal. Credit: Pornpak Khunatorn / iStock
He thought he had struck gold when an interested party contacted him.
They arranged to meet at the bustling Manly Ferry in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, a public place many would consider safe for such exchanges.
Upon arrival, Mr Yee met the buyer waiting in his car. After showing the camera and agreeing on the price, Mr Yee handed over the cash, expecting a smooth transaction.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when the seller handed over a camera box but kept the actual camera on the passenger seat and drove off in haste.
In a desperate attempt to retrieve his money, Mr Yee chased after the car and reached inside the vehicle, spotting the cash on the dashboard.
The seller sped up, dragging Mr Yee for about 10 meters before he was pushed to the ground, suffering injuries to his chest, arms, and legs.
Witnesses quickly came to his aid, and an ambulance was called.
The aftermath of the incident was just as shocking. The box contained a worthless camera, valued at around $50, a far cry from the high-quality equipment Mr Yee had hoped to sell.
Fortunately, Mr Yee had the presence of mind to provide the police with the man’s Facebook and PayPal details, which turned out to be legitimate.
The police tracked down the seller and brought him to the Manly Police Station, where he refunded the money in exchange for returning the worthless camera.
The seller claimed it was all a 'misunderstanding,' and the police let him go without pressing charges, as Mr Yee had no financial loss after the refund.
However, Mr Yee, still shaken and injured, has engaged a lawyer in hopes of pressing assault charges against the alleged scammer.
He is speaking out because he noticed the same camera relisted on Facebook Marketplace, raising concerns that others might fall victim to a similar scam.
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