Oshkosh, WI – A 31-year-old man from Appleton has been taken into custody following a series of alleged cellphone thefts connected to transactions arranged through Facebook Marketplace, according to the Oshkosh Police Department.
Authorities say the suspect targeted multiple victims in late December 2025, using online listings as a way to lure sellers into in-person meetings before stealing their devices and fleeing without payment.
Multiple Incidents Reported Across Oshkosh
Police said they investigated three separate incidents that occurred on December 22, December 24, and December 27, 2025. The alleged thefts took place in the areas of 600 E. Parkway and 700 Wright Street in Oshkosh.
In each case, investigators say the suspect arranged to meet victims under the pretense of purchasing cellphones listed for sale online. Once the meetings occurred, the suspect allegedly took possession of the phones and ran off without paying, leaving the victims stunned.
One of the incidents escalated beyond simple theft, with police later classifying it as a strong-armed robbery, indicating that force or intimidation was allegedly used.
Arrest Made in Fox Crossing
After gathering evidence and identifying a suspect, authorities say the man was arrested by the Fox Crossing Police Department on January 2, 2026.
The suspect now faces a long list of charges, including:
- Two counts of theft
- One count of strong-armed robbery
- Nine counts of misdemeanor bail jumping
Police have not released the suspect’s name, but confirmed he is a 31-year-old Appleton resident.
Use of Fake Facebook Accounts Alleged
Investigators believe the suspect allegedly created and used multiple fake Facebook accounts to arrange the fraudulent transactions. By using different profiles, authorities say the suspect was able to avoid immediate detection and target multiple victims over a short period of time.
Police say the use of fake or burner social media accounts is a common tactic in online marketplace crimes, making it more difficult for victims to verify a buyer’s identity before meeting in person.
Police Warn Public About Online Marketplace Risks
In the wake of the arrest, the Oshkosh Police Department is urging residents to remain vigilant when buying or selling items online.
Authorities say common online marketplace scams include:
- Fake listings
- Non-delivery scams
- Counterfeit goods
- Phishing attempts
- In-person thefts during meetups
With online platforms like Facebook Marketplace continuing to grow in popularity, police warn that criminals may increasingly exploit in-person transactions to commit theft or robbery.
Safety Tips for Online Transactions
To reduce the risk of becoming a victim, police recommend taking several precautions when arranging online sales.
The Oshkosh Police Department also offers a safer alternative for residents completing online transactions. Officials say buyers and sellers are encouraged to meet at the Oshkosh Police Department, which provides a designated parking area and lobby space specifically for online exchanges.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and additional victims may exist. Police are encouraging anyone who believes they may have been targeted by similar scams or thefts to come forward.
Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Oshkosh Police Department at 920-236-5700.
Officials say reporting suspicious activity helps law enforcement identify patterns, connect cases, and prevent future crimes targeting the community.
Have you ever felt unsafe meeting someone for an online sale or purchase? What precautions do you take when using Facebook Marketplace or similar platforms? Share your experiences and safety tips in the comments below.
