Police in North Bay, Ontario, are actively searching for a suspect following a reported robbery that occurred during an in-person transaction arranged through Facebook Marketplace. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with meeting strangers to buy or sell items online.
Details of the Facebook Marketplace Incident
The North Bay Police Service responded to a call regarding a robbery that took place on December 2, 2025. According to investigators, the victim had arranged to meet an individual to complete a sale initiated on the popular online platform, Facebook Marketplace. During the encounter, the suspect allegedly committed a robbery before fleeing the scene.
Authorities have not released specific details about what was stolen or the exact location of the meeting, as the investigation is ongoing. However, they confirmed that the incident involved a transaction that originated from the digital marketplace. Police are now working to identify and locate the individual responsible.
A Call for Public Vigilance and Information
In the wake of this crime, the North Bay Police are urging residents to exercise extreme caution when conducting transactions with people they meet online. While Facebook Marketplace and similar platforms offer convenience, they also carry inherent risks when meetings are arranged with unknown parties.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about this incident to come forward. This includes individuals who may have been in the area at the time, those who have had suspicious interactions on the platform, or anyone who can help identify the suspect. Tips can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers or directly to the North Bay Police Service.
Staying Safe During Online Marketplace Transactions
This robbery highlights the critical importance of safety measures for online buyers and sellers. Police recommend several best practices to reduce risk:
- Meet in a Safe, Public Location: Always arrange to meet in a well-lit, public place with plenty of people around, such as a police station parking lot (many offer designated "safe exchange" zones), a busy coffee shop, or a shopping center.
- Bring a Friend: Never go alone to meet a stranger for an online transaction. Having another person with you can deter criminal activity.
- Inform Someone of Your Plans: Tell a friend or family member where you are going, who you are meeting, and when you expect to return.
- Trust Your Instincts: If a deal seems too good to be true, or if the person you are communicating with makes you feel uncomfortable, cancel the meeting.
- Conduct Transactions During Daylight Hours: Whenever possible, schedule meetings for daylight hours to increase visibility and safety.
The North Bay Police continue their investigation into this Facebook Marketplace robbery and emphasize that public cooperation is vital to apprehending the suspect and preventing similar crimes in the future.
