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NYC Cops Break-Up iPhone Craigslist Scam

Bargain-hunters relieved of their cash at gunpoint

By Mark Huffman
ConsumerAffairs.com

June 16, 2008

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Beware of an offer to sell cheap iPhones. It could be the prelude to a stick up.

Police in New York have reported arrests of members of a gang that they say is using Craigslist to lure consumers to a remote location, where they can be robbed. The clever scheme has netted the criminals several thousand dollars so far, according to the New York Post.

Gang members reportedly place an ad on the popular classified site offering 10 iPhones for $2,000 cash. Respondents are instructed to go to an isolated, out of the way location, where they will be robbed of the $2,000 cash at gunpoint.

"It was all a ruse to get the buyers with money in the criminals' comfort zone so they could rob them," Lt. Garfield Brown of the Brooklyn Central Robbery Unit, told the Post.

The police have made arrests in the case, but don't believe the scam is likely to die out anytime soon, since it's an easy way to rob victims. They say copycats are likely to try it in other cities, using either craigslist or other advertising sources. Consumers, they say, should be aware of it.

Of course, the scammers will have to modify the pitch somewhat. After Apple last week introduced its new iPhone with a price tag of $199, 10 iPhones for $2000 is hardly a bargain. You can get the same deal at the Apple store – and they're most likely unarmed.

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