Sheriff issues advisory regarding purchases from Facebook Marketplace sellers

Sumter County sheriff issues advisory regarding purchases from Facebook Marketplace sellers
(Photo: Sumter County Sheriff’s Office)

SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis has issued an advisory regarding purchases from Facebook Marketplace sellers.

Investigators say recently several armed robberies have taken place in the Sumter County community of Wedgefield involving citizens who are attempting to purchase a trailer listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

Residents are asked to be aware of meeting people to conduct a transaction at locations that are on personal property, away from the public, and away from cameras.

Law enforcement say people have contacted someone through Facebook Marketplace because they saw a trailer listed for sale.

After contacting the “seller”, people have been asked to meet them on someone’s property to see and purchase the advertised trailer.

When the person arrived to the location, they were met with people carrying handguns who demanded money and threatened them before leaving the scene, according to Sheriff Dennis. 

Also, residents are asked when making any transaction with anyone you do not know personally, never meet at a location that is not well-lit, surrounded by witnesses, and under the view of security cameras.

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office parking lot has an area designated for making such transactions.

Reach out to investigators at the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office by calling 803-436-2000 or 911 to report any information on the armed robberies.

You can also report it anonymously for a reward at www.p3tips.com, or download and use the “P3” mobile app.