Facebook Marketplace Meetup Robberies Prompt Safety Warnings in Connecticut

New Haven police investigate two similar robberies from Facebook Marketplace transactions over the weekend.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:55am

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An extreme close-up of a cracked smartphone screen reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the aftermath of a Facebook Marketplace robbery.A recent wave of Facebook Marketplace robberies in Connecticut has exposed the risks of in-person transactions facilitated through online platforms.New Haven Today

New Haven police are investigating a pair of robberies that occurred through Facebook Marketplace over the weekend. In both incidents, victims contacted suspects on Facebook Marketplace to sell cellphones, but the suspects allegedly pretended to have a gun, took the phones, and fled on foot. Police have provided safety tips for anyone meeting up through Facebook Marketplace, including meeting in a public, well-lit area, sharing meeting plans with friends or family, and avoiding changing the meetup location.

Why it matters

These robberies highlight the risks involved with in-person transactions through online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace. As more people turn to these platforms, it's important for law enforcement and tech companies to educate the public on how to stay safe during these meetups and avoid becoming victims of crimes.

The details

The first alleged robbery happened on Saturday on Batter Terrace, where the victim contacted the suspect on Facebook Marketplace to sell a cellphone. The suspect pretended to have a gun, took the phone, and fled on foot. The second alleged robbery occurred the same day on Diamond Street, where the victim said they and the suspect met on Facebook Marketplace and agreed to sell a cellphone, but the suspect allegedly took the phone and ran.

  • The first alleged robbery happened on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • The second alleged robbery also occurred on Saturday, April 12, 2026.

The players

New Haven Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the two Facebook Marketplace robberies.

Facebook

The social media platform where the alleged robberies were facilitated through its Marketplace feature.

Suspect

A black male in his early 20s wearing a black hoodie and white sneakers who is suspected of committing the two robberies.

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What they’re saying

“If you're meeting someone in person, make sure you're in a public, well-lit area. Also, create and share your meeting plan with a friend or family member through Messenger.”

— Facebook

“Tap Send plan in Messenger to share your meeting plan with someone on your Facebook friends list, so they know the meeting's location, time, and date. Additionally, the plans are removed after the scheduled meeting time.”

— Facebook

What’s next

Police are urging anyone with information about the robberies to contact detectives at 203-946-6304 or through the department's anonymous tip-line at 866-888-TIPS (8477).

The takeaway

These Facebook Marketplace robberies underscore the importance of taking safety precautions when meeting up with strangers for in-person transactions. By following the tips provided by law enforcement and Facebook, users can help protect themselves and avoid becoming victims of similar crimes.