Alarm Bells Ring in Memphis Over Facebook Marketplace Vehicle Theft

Alarm Bells Ring in Memphis Over Facebook Marketplace Vehicle Theft

In the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, a chilling story has emerged that serves as a cautionary tale for anyone who uses social media for buying and selling vehicles. A local woman is sharing her unsettling experience after her 2019 Nissan Maxima was stolen right from her driveway, only to reappear for sale on Facebook Marketplace less than 24 hours later.

The Stolen Maxima: A Shocking Turn of Events

In a quiet neighborhood of Colonial Acres, the victim, who chose to remain anonymous for her safety, described how the thieves brazenly spent at least 30 minutes at her property. They were not only armed but also managed to remove both a safety club and an air tag from her car. “The scariest part to me was how long they spent outside my home, knowing they were all armed. You can see that in the video,” she recounted, visibly shaken. “They got the club out and threw it in the street.”

Surveillance footage from the home revealed the bizarre scene of masked individuals arriving in a black vehicle. At one point, three of them could be seen tauntingly parked outside the victim’s Nissan, which they had driven into the street.

A Not-So-Unique Situation

This wasn’t the first time tragedy had struck this victim. As it turns out, this was the third time her Maxima had been stolen in just two years! Previous incidents had ended with the car being recovered in Memphis, but this time, the stolen car journeyed further to end up parked behind a residence in Senatobia, Mississippi.

Authorities in Senatobia had a rather shocking revelation when they arrived on the scene. The individual who had the Maxima claimed to have bought it off Facebook Marketplace, complete with a bill of sale, a working key fob, and what he believed to be the vehicle’s title. “The guy who supposedly bought it was supposedly upset and, you know, made it look believable that he bought it,” said the victim.

A Price Too Good to Be True

According to the seller in Senatobia, he forked over a mere $6,500 for the vehicle, a staggering quarter of its actual market value. “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is,” the victim emphasized, clearly alarmed at how easily a stolen vehicle can slip through the cracks.

Enhancing Home Security

Since the car’s disappearance, the victim has taken several precautionary measures. She has installed additional cameras and lights around her home and made a proactive decision to invest in a new vehicle equipped with built-in tracking technology. It appears, however, that police have yet to make any arrests in connection to this theft.

Community Call to Action

If you’ve got any tips or recognize something about the suspects, local law enforcement encourages you to come forward. You can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH as they are actively investigating this case. Every little bit of info counts, and your help could make a difference!

In light of this alarming incident, make sure you think twice before making any vehicle purchases through social media platforms. This story is a stark reminder of the potential risks that come with online shopping — and it’s never a bad idea to err on the side of caution. Stay safe out there, folks!