Let what happened to one Lafayette woman be a reminder to be extra cautious when meeting up in person to collect items you purchased online.

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We have all heard the horror stories of Facebook marketplace transactions going badly, which became a reality for a Lafayette woman one afternoon.

News 15 reported that the woman was interested in purchasing a vehicle for sale on Facebook from 25-year-old Issacc Robinson Jr. Lafayette Police say she met up with him on April 25th around 3 pm to purchase the vehicle.

Markus Winkler Unsplash
Markus Winkler Unsplash
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When she arrived at the agreed location, she entered the vehicle, and the suspect drove her to the bank, where she took out cash from the ATM to purchase the car. Once the suspect began driving, he pulled out a gun, took the cash from her, and forced her out of the vehicle.

This is certainly not the first or last time something like this will happen. Women especially need to be extremely careful when meeting up to purchase items from a complete stranger.

When purchasing items from Facebook Marketplace, it's essential to prioritize your safety.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

  1. Meet in a Public Place: Always meet the seller in a public and well-lit location, such as a coffee shop, shopping center, or police station parking lot. Or use the Safe Trade Spot website mentioned in the TikTok above.
  2. Bring a Friend: Whenever possible, bring a friend or family member with you to the meeting. Not only does this provide an extra layer of safety, but it can also be helpful if you're dealing with large or heavy items.
  3. Inform Someone: Let a trusted friend or family member know about your plans, including where you're going, who you're meeting, and when you expect to return. Consider sharing your location with them or arranging a check-in time.
  4. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or makes you uncomfortable during the transaction, trust your instincts and consider walking away. Your safety is paramount.

Lafayette police arrested Isacc Robinson Jr. Monday.

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