Two men are facing charges after selling fake iPhones and phone boxes containing rice and sand on Facebook.
Toronto police said two men have allegedly been committing frauds using the Meta platform since 2021.
They reportedly advertised iPhones for sale on Facebook Marketplace and would meet potential victims. The men then sold fake phones that resembled iPhones or provided cell phone boxes that contained rice or sand, and provided fake receipts for the phones, police said.
In addition, many victims were involved in physical altercations with the suspects, resulting in them being struck and robbed of their cash, according to police.
The men would then flee the area in a white-colouted Honda Civic.
On Apr. 19, three search warrants were issued in Toronto and Peel Region. Police subsequently seized evidence including a large amount of money, fake cell phone boxes containing rice “and other evidence,” police said.
Two 25-year-old men, Jovane Martin, of Brampton, and Mississauga resident Jeremiah Stoute, have been arrested and charged with numerous offences, including conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, robbery, and disguise with intent, among others.
They were scheduled to appear in court Monday morning. Police believe there may be more victims.
To avoid being victimized while buying or selling items online, police recommend meeting people at a police station or at a location where you feel safe, waiting to send money until you have the item you’re purchasing and inspecting the item before purchasing it.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.
