Teenage Scammers on the Run: Facebook Marketplace Scams and Robberies in Houston
Two teenage suspects from Houston are currently evading the police after being accused of staging scams on Facebook Marketplace and robbing unsuspecting victims. The Houston Police Department (HPD) has identified Arlando Lyles, 17, as wanted for aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and theft from a person, while 18-year-old Christian Ray Pickett is wanted for theft from a person. The HPD has stated that additional charges are pending.
The suspects, Lyles and Pickett, are part of a larger group involved in a series of incidents that originated from Facebook Marketplace. In these scams, the suspects create fake profiles as sellers and arrange in-person meetings with buyers, only to rob them. The HPD’s Robbery Division has reported that there may be more individuals participating in this scheme, posing as fake sellers on Facebook Marketplace. Since September 21, there have been 15 reported cases involving 15 different victims.
How to Avoid Falling Victim to the Sneaky Facebook Marketplace Scam
Facebook Marketplace is a popular subsection of the social media platform where users can buy and sell items. While the platform does have some buyer protections in place, it is also a breeding ground for scammers who create fake profiles and use deceptive tactics. Scammers often use fake profile pictures and names to appear as legitimate sellers. For instance, they might use a photo of an elderly couple or a young family to gain trust. It’s crucial for users to exercise caution and be aware of these scams.
Robberies in Southeast Houston: The Disturbing Details
According to the HPD, the 15 reported robberies since September have taken place in various apartment complex parking lots in Southeast Houston. One incident involved Lyles, who allegedly pulled out a gun on a mother of a family of five. The family had traveled together to meet Lyles, who they had been extensively chatting with on Facebook Marketplace. However, when they arrived at the meeting location, Lyles did not speak Spanish as they had communicated, raising suspicions.
Lyles demanded to see the $250 cash they brought to purchase a PlayStation 5 before handing it over. As the 15-year-old son of the family got out of the car with his mother to complete the transaction, Lyles aimed the gun at the mother and fled with the money and the PlayStation. The 15-year-old described the terrifying ordeal to ABC 13.
How to Stay Safe: Tips from the Houston Police Department
In a video PSA posted on HPD’s social media account, Robbery Detective C. Lee advised buyers to consider meeting Facebook Marketplace sellers at local police departments to ensure their safety during transactions. Lee also emphasized the importance of checking profile pictures and account activity to spot suspicious accounts that are often used only a few times. Buyers should be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true and should not hesitate to report any suspicious activity to the police.
The HPD is still searching for Lyles and Pickett, and they are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to their arrest. Anyone who has seen the suspects is urged to contact the police. Crime Stoppers of Houston is offering a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest.
