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. โThe scariest part to me was how long they spent outside my home, knowing they were all armed. You can see that in the video,โ she recounted, visibly shaken. โThey got the club out and threw it in the street.โ
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 victimโs Nissan, which they had driven into the street.
A Not-So-Unique Situation
This wasnโt 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 vehicleโs title. โThe guy who supposedly bought it was supposedly upset and, you know, made it look believable that he bought it,โ 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. โIf it looks too good to be true, it probably is,โ the victim emphasized, clearly alarmed at how easily a stolen vehicle can slip through the cracks.
Enhancing Home Security
Since the carโs 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 youโve 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 โ and itโs never a bad idea to err on the side of caution. Stay safe out there, folks!
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
