Contact:
Lt. Dave Shaffer
217-403-7030
[email protected]
Champaign Police Investigate Multiple Robberies Involving Craigslist Scams
The Champaign Police Department has received four recent reports of individuals that were robbed while trying to conduct a business transaction after responding to an ad posting on Craigslist.
In each case, the victims responded to a post on Craigslist for the purpose of buying an electronic device or other property. The victims then agreed to meet at an apartment parking lot near Valley Road in Champaign. Upon arrival, the victims were confronted by an armed individual and robbed of their money.
The suspect in these incidents is described as an African-American male between the ages of 18-25, approximately 5’09” to 5’11” in height, with a thin or slender build. In each incident, the suspect has been armed with a handgun.
Champaign Police are investigating and ask that anyone with information please call the Champaign Police Investigation Division at (217) 351-4545, or provide an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
Crime Stoppers tips can be shared by phone at: 217-373-8477 (TIPS); online at www.373tips.com; or by texting “CCTIP” plus the crime information to 274637 (CRIMES). Crime Stoppers will pay a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for these crimes.
Champaign Police reminds citizens to exercise caution when conducting independent sales transactions. Individuals using Craigslist or other classified ads are encouraged to consider the following safety tips:
- Insist on a secure, public meeting place
- Do not meet in a secluded place, or invite strangers into your home
- Tell a friend or family member where you’re going; if possible, have someone accompany you
- Take your cell phone along if you have one
- Never give out financial information (bank account, debit card information, etc)
- Do not extend payment to anyone you have not met in person and never wire funds
- Be especially careful buying/selling high value items
- Trust your instincts
The Champaign Police Department lobby is open 24 hours and is made available for those that desire a safe, secure location to arrange a sale.
Additional safety information regarding Craigslist and personal safety online can be found at: www.craigslist.org/about/safety