Facebook Marketplace Scam Transforms into Armed Robbery

A father and son from Gasparillo fell victim to a distressing armed robbery in Arima on August 15th, 2025, during what was supposed to be a car purchase. The duo had arranged to buy a Nissan Almera for $16,000 from a Facebook Marketplace seller named ‘Marcelle’. Upon their arrival on Marie Street, Arima, the situation took a dangerous turn. They were accosted by two armed men who announced a robbery, taking $15,000 in cash, three Samsung smartphones, various pieces of jewelry, bank cards, and other personal items. The bandits then fled the scene. This episode adds to a growing list of similar incidents, where innocent citizens are trapped into robberies via fictitious social media accounts offering cars and other expensive items. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.