In the last month, police have received approximately 15 reports of personal robberies during Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace sales of higher-priced items, such as cell phones and brand-name clothing. In each case, a suspect posing as a buyer meets up with the seller, evaluates the item(s) for sale, then is joined by at least one accomplice. Together, the suspects rob the seller of the item, sometimes uttering threats, and in one case, reportedly presenting a firearm.
In initial reports, the robberies occurred in southwest Edmonton in the Duggan area, but reports have since come from multiple areas of the city. Investigators are warning people to be vigilant when arranging online sales meetups.
On Jan. 31, 2026, police arrested three male teens in connection to one of the first reported robberies in the series. They were each charged with theft under $5,000.
“We always advise caution when meeting up with strangers,” says Staff Sergeant Ivan Dascavich, with the EPS Investigative Response Team. “Meet in a safe, public location, such as the EPS Buy and Sell Exchange Zones, bring a friend, and above all, trust your instincts. If something feels off at any point, abandon the sale.”
More information about online buying and selling safety and EPS Buy and Sell Exchange Zones is available on the EPS website.