OfferUp deal in Victorville turns into armed robbery

VICTORVILLE, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A 19-year-old trying to buy a cell phone via the app OfferUp was robbed at gunpoint Tuesday night in Victorville.

The armed robbery happened on July 2, 2019, at about 8:10 pm in the 16500 block of Seneca Road in Victorville.

Officials said the victim told deputies he went to meet the suspect to purchase a phone advertised on Offer-Up.

“The suspect brandished a handgun and demanded the victim give him his money. The victim was afraid the suspect might shoot him and gave him his money,” stated sheriff’s spokeswoman Mara Rodriguez.

Rodriguez said the victim was not injured and called police after the suspects fled.

“The suspect has not been located. He is described as a heavy set, black male, last seen wearing a grey shirt,” Rodriguez said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Victorville Police Department at 760-241-2911.

People are encouraged to practice extreme safety when arranging to meet a stranger offline to buy or sell.

On its website OfferUp provides safety tips to those using the platform, including the following:

Research the person, product, and place.

• Check out the other person’s profile. What do others say about them?
• Look at the item photos. Do they give you enough detail?
• Pick a safe place during a busy time of day.

Learn more by visiting OfferUp’s Safety Tips section here.

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