Image: Surrey Police Service / Picture of an alleged theft suspect as per Surrey Police Service.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Theft suspect

Surrey Police Service seek identity of alleged Facebook Marketplace theft suspect

Nov 3, 2025 | 2:19 PM

SURREY — Police in Surrey are appealing to the public for help in identifying a suspect in a recent alleged fraud incident.

According to a statement from Surrey Police Service, frontline officers were dispatched on Monday, October 27 after getting a report from a victim who alleged they had been scammed by someone when they tried to buy a cell phone from a Facebook Marketplace advertisement.

SPS Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton says the victim had met the suspect several days earlier to complete the transaction, however, it was discovered that the cell phone they agreed to purchase was not the same cell phone that was in the packaging. Police say they are hoping that the public may be able to assist the investigation by identifying the suspect.

Police did not provide any information about the suspect, including possible height, weight, hair colour or anything other identifying information, other than the picture.

Surrey Police say they want to remind people who use Facebook Marketplace to precautions when making their purchases by doing the following:

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• Always check the seller’s profile – look for fake profiles and the seller’s history that may indicate a scam
• Communicate safely so that there are records of your conversations
• Meet in safe, well-lit, frequented public places (E.g. a police station) and always tell someone about your plans
• Don’t disclose personal information
• Always check the goods for authenticity before providing payment
• Consider bringing someone with you, especially if the item you’re purchasing is expensive
• Report any scams to the police