OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — An Appleton man was arrested, accused in a series of Facebook Marketplace cellphone thefts in Oshkosh.
Last month, police say three thefts of cell phones occurred where the victims posted a cell phone for sale on Facebook Marketplace and arranged to meet with a buyer. When the victims met with the suspect, he took the phones without paying for them and got away.
The thefts occurred on Dec. 22, 2025, Dec. 24, 2025, and Dec. 27, 2025 at E Parkway/ Monroe Street, in the 600 Block of E Parkway, and in the 700 Block of Wright Street.
Based on the investigation, a 31-year-old Appleton man was taken into custody by Fox Crossing Police on Jan. 2. He was arrested on two counts of theft, strong-armed robbery, and nine counts of misdemeanor bail jumping. It was discovered that the suspect had created and used several fake Facebook accounts to facilitate the transactions.
Police say there are numerous scams involving online purchases on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Some of these scams include: fake listings, overpayment scams, non-delivery scams, counterfeit goods, and phishing scams. The community should be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, only accept payments equivalent to the agreed price, and never click on suspicious links or share personal information.
To enhance safety, police strongly encourage people to arrange online purchase exchanges in well-lit, public areas or at the Oshkosh Police Department. Oshkosh police provide a designated parking area and a spot in the lobby for these exchanges. This practice can significantly reduce the risk of scams and thefts often associated with transactions on platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
If anyone has information about this incident, contact the Oshkosh Police Department at (920) 236-5700. If you have information about this incident, but wish to remain anonymous, please contact the Winnebago County Crime Stoppers at (920) 231-8477; or through the P3 App.
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