Michigan Man Charged In Facebook Marketplace Deal Gone Wrong

I think most people would tell you that they prefer to buy something from a physical store or that business' online website because it is reliable. The problem with that for some people is the retail prices in stores can be expensive, so they turn to alternative shopping options for the things they need.

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We have seen several types of shopping platforms rise over the last couple of years but platforms like Ebay and Craigslist have been around since the beginning. There's another OG shopping option that many people have used, and others are skeptical of, Facebook Marketplace.

I can admit that I have used Facebook Marketplace a handful of times and have been fortunate enough to have no issues. I found my first car, plenty of electronics, sports memorabilia and other products on the social media platform's marketplace. Although I have had good luck, I know that everyone isn't as fortunate, and these platforms can have horror stories.

That takes us to Michigan where one man was arrested and charged in a botched Facebook Marketplace deal. 24-year-old Ignacio Pederson was arrested in Kalamazoo and charged with armed robbery and resisting and obstructing police after fleeing the scene of an armed robbery.

Pederson had arranged a meet-up with another Facebook user in Interfaith Homes at around 1pm. Pederson agreed to purchase a cell phone and two cell phone cases but upon arriving he said that he had a gun and stole the items from the victim before going on the run. Pederson was arraigned in Kalamazoo District Court and jailed on bonds of $25,500

Below are some tips that police share to keep yourself safe during online transactions:

• Meet in a safe location: Choose a public, well-lit area with security cameras, such as the KDPS Safe Exchange Zone outside headquarters. Be cautious if the other party insists on a specific, unchangeable location.
• Bring a friend: Avoid going alone. Having someone with you provides an extra layer of security and can deter potential scammers.
• Trust Your instincts: If anything feels off about the buyer, seller, or meeting location, cancel the transaction.
• Check the seller’s profile: Review the seller’s Facebook profile for red flags, such as new accounts, incomplete profiles or refusal to share basic details.