iPhone boxes filled with rice sold on Facebook in Ontario; 2 men from Mississauga and Brampton charged
Published April 22, 2024 at 7:58 am
Two men, from Brampton and Mississauga, face charges after a Facebook Marketplace fraud investigation involving fake iPhones.
The fraud on Facebook Marketplace started in 2021, Toronto Police said in a press release today (April 22).
Apple iPhones were advertised for sale on the platform but the actual products delivered only resembled iPhones. In some cases, the victims received cell phone boxes that contained rice or sand, police said.
The fraudsters provided fake receipts for the phones to convince the victims that the cell phones were authentic, police said.
Several of the interactions with victims have resulted in physical altercations. The victims were struck and robbed of their cash.
The fraudsters would then flee the area in a white Honda Civic, police added.
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On Friday, April 19, Toronto Police executed three search warrants in Toronto and Peel Region.
Cash, fake cell phone boxes containing rice and other evidence were seized in the searches, police said.
Two people were arrested and charged in connection with the investigation.
Jovane Martin, 25, of Brampton, is charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, 13 counts of fraud under $5,000, two counts of robbery, and seven counts of disguise with intent.
Jeremiah Stoute, 25, of Mississauga, is charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, 13 counts of fraud under $5,000, two counts of robbery, disguise with intent, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
Jovane Martin, 25, left, and Jeremiah Stoute, 25, face fraud charges in Toronto.
They are scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Ave. W., today (April 22) at 10 a.m.
Police believe there may be more victims.
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.
Police offer the following tips for buying or selling items safely online:
- Attempt to meet the buyer or seller at your local police division, or at a location you feel safe
- Do not send any money online or e-transfer prior to having possession of the item(s)
- Do not bring large amounts of cash or make large purchases without checking the item(s)
- When buying or selling an item, ensure that you inspect the item(s) prior to completing the transaction