Police warn of rice or sand being sold in scam by two suspects to fleece online buyers.
Residents are again being warned by police of purchasing name-brand cell phones or other items online.
Two men are under arrest for allegedly using the Facebook Marketplace platform since 2021 to sell phony cell phones.
The phones were sold in boxes that contained rice or sand, according to Toronto Police fraud officers.
Jeremiah Stoute, 25, face a slew of fraud related charges for allegedly scamming online cell phone buyers.
Police said the suspects would advertise Apple iPhones for sale and would meet potential victims.
“The men sold fraudulent phones that resembled Apple iPhones, or provided cell phone boxes that contained rice or sand,” said Const. Sinderela Chung “They also provided fake receipts for the phones to convince the victims that the cell phones were authentic.”
Chung alleged several of the interactions with victims resulted in physical altercations, and the victims were struck and robbed of their cash by the men.
Jovane Martin, 25, also faces a string of fraud related charges.
The suspects would flee in a white-coloured Honda Civic.
Arrested are Jovane Martin, 25, of Brampton, who was charged with 13 counts of fraud under $5,000, seven counts of disguise with intent, robbery, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000 and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
Jeremiah Stoute, 25, of Mississauga, was charged with similar offences.
Police seized a large quantity of currency, fake cell phone boxes containing rice and other evidence.
White Honda Civic used by the suspects to flee. Police believe there are other victims.
Detectives believe there are other victims.
Police are warning those who buy or sell items online to meet people at a local police station and do not send money online or by e-transfer before taking possession of the item.
They should not bring large amounts of cash or make purchases and make sure they inspect the items before completing the transactions.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.