The Sacramento Police Department would like to remind the community to be cautious when responding to online ads. 

On Wednesday, December 4, 2013, Sacramento Police Officers arrested Terrance Kimbell, 22 (left), and Bryant Laws, 22 (right), for robbery.  Kimbell and Laws are believed to have targeted unsuspecting victims utilizing online ads on multiple occasions.  The two were also booked for conspiracy when the investigation revealed they worked together, using the online ads, to lure their victims to prearranged meeting locations, where the alleged robberies occurred.  Detectives continue to follow up with this investigation and other similar crimes throughout the city. 

The Sacramento Police Department recommends the following tips to avoid falling victim whether buying or selling to private parties online:

·        Research the buyer/seller. 

·        Meet the buyer/seller during normal business hours in a public place such as the local police station. 

·        Do not give out more personal information than is necessary.

·        Deal locally and don’t carry large amounts of cash.

·        Always trust your instincts – if you become suspicious leave the area and don’t do business with seller.

·        Last but not least, if the deal seems to be too good to be true, it probably is!  

Detectives are asking anyone that may have been a victim of a similar scam to please report it to police.  

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact the dispatch center at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.