Canberra family robbed of phone worth nearly $3000 in premeditated Facebook Marketplace deal
Two teenagers stole a Samsung phone worth nearly $3000 in a planned robbery after pretending to be a buyer on Facebook Marketplace.
A Canberra family attempting to sell a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra on Facebook Marketplace became victims of a premeditated robbery on September 17. A buyer using the profile name Samson Jones arranged to purchase the phone for $2300, then delayed his arrival until about 8.45pm.
Two teenagers appeared at the Weston home and rang the doorbell. When the husband handed over the phone, one suspect in a white hat snatched it and ran to a silver Ford idling nearby.
Doorway CCTV footage shows the second suspect in a black hoodie also fleeing to the waiting car, which drove off immediately. The wife chased them while screaming for help.
Police say the getaway vehicle's registration plate did not match the car. ACT Policing is investigating and advises sellers to meet in public places and never hand over goods until payment is received in cash.
- Nearly $3000
- Phone value
- $2300
- Asking price
- About 8.45pm on September 17, 2026
- Time of robbery
- Silver Ford
- Getaway vehicle
Why it mattersOnline selling carries real robbery risk. Criminals plan these crimes in advance, posing as genuine buyers to steal high-value goods.
AustraliaCanberra residents using Facebook Marketplace should meet only in safe public places and be wary of buyers who delay or arrive late.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 9 h ago
