Agency offers tips to improve safety of transactions
The Sarasota Police Department (SPD) is warning the public “about a rising trend in thefts of e-bikes and dirt bikes sold through online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist,” it announced this week.
Recently, multiple incidents have been reported in which sellers were deceived during the transaction process, resulting in the thefts of their motorized bikes, a news release points out.
In these cases, the release explains, officers learned that sellers often traveled to Sarasota from out of town to meet potential buyers who had expressed interest in purchasing the bikes.
“During the meeting,” it adds, “the buyer typically requests a test ride but never returns with the bike. To appear trustworthy, the buyer may quickly present money (flashing cash) as proof of funds or offer counterfeit money as collateral before taking the bike for a test ride,” the release notes.
As it investigates these thefts, the Police Department is encouraging the public “to take precautions when conducting online marketplace transactions, especially during the holiday season.”
The agency has offered the following recommendations:
- Meet in a safe location — Use the SPD Transaction Safe Place located in the lobby of the Sarasota Police Department, which stands at 2099 Adams Lane in downtown Sarasota. The lobby, which is monitored, is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.
- Bring a Friend — “Avoid meeting strangers alone. Having someone with you can increase safety.”
- Schedule meetings during daylight hours — Meet during the day in well-lit public areas.
- Avoid having large amounts of cash — Use digital payment methods whenever possible.
- Do not allow test drives without verified collateral — “Ensure buyers provide verified identification or other legitimate guarantees if you plan to allow a test ride.”
Sarasota Police officers encourage sellers “to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. If you’ve experienced a similar theft or have information about these incidents,” the release says, please contact the Sarasota Police Department at 941-316-1199 or Sarasota Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477) or going online at sarasotacrimestoppers.com.