Police Offer Safety Tips After Online Seller Robbed In Norwalk

NORWALK, Conn. -- Norwalk police are advising the public to exercise caution when selling something through social media after one city resident was robbed by four would-be buyers.

The Norwalk Police Department was offering safety tips for online buyers and sellers after a city resident, who was selling an electronic device via social media, was assaulted and robbed.
Photo Credit: *Alfred Branch*

Carol Reif

04/19/2016 12:00 p.m.

The unidentified victim had placed an ad on a social media site seeking to sell an electronic device, police said.

He got a nibble and had arranged to meet the buyer on Monday at 8 p.m. at the corner of Osborne Avenue and Goodrow Street in the city.

When he got there, police said, he was assaulted by a group of men and the device was stolen.

The suspects were described by police as one white male and three black males.

Police offered a few tips for staying safe when buying or selling online:

Always meet in a public place, such as the public parking lot of the Norwalk Police Department.
Tell someone what you are doing and where you are going.
Never meet the buyer or seller at home.
Always meet during the day.
If it is a high priced transaction, do it at the bank.
Keep your cell phone close.
Never reveal personal information.

Police are asking anyone with any information about the robbery to contact Det. Fitzmaurice by calling (203) 854-3180 or by calling the Norwalk Police Tip Line, (203) 854-3111.

Anonymous tips can also be sent to Norwalk Police website at www.norwalkpd.com.

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