MARTINEZ, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT/Gray News) — Three Augusta residents are facing robbery charges after deputies said they stole a PlayStation 5 during a Facebook Marketplace meetup.

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called Friday afternoon to Fierce Fitness for a reported “robbery by sudden snatch.”

Investigators said a 23-year-old man arranged online to sell a PlayStation 5 for $500 and agreed to meet three buyers in the parking lot.

When they arrived, the victim walked to the vehicle with the console and power cord so the buyers could plug it in and test it.

After he handed the game console through a door, the man in the backseat slammed the door, and the driver sped away without paying.

As deputies headed to the scene, license plate readers picked up the Ford Escape traveling into Richmond County.

Deputies stopped the SUV a short time later and detained all three occupants.

The stolen PlayStation was recovered in the vehicle, and deputies said they also seized marijuana and a firearm.

The three occupants − a 22-year-old man, a 20-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman − were arrested, charged with robbery and booked into the Columbia County jail.

Don’t let it happen to you

Here are some tips to help keep you safe:

• Choose a safe meeting spot. Whenever possible, meet at a law enforcement “exchange zone,” such as a police station lobby or a camera-monitored parking lot, instead of a random parking lot.
• Don’t meet at anyone’s home. Avoid inviting strangers to your house, and don’t agree to meet at their residence or in a secluded area.
• Stick to daylight hours. Schedule exchanges during the day in a busy, well-lit public place.
• Bring another adult. Take a friend or family member with you so you’re not alone during the transaction.
• Stay aware of your surroundings. Keep your eyes up instead of on your phone, and park in a spot where you can leave quickly if something doesn’t feel right.
• Keep communication on the platform. Use Facebook Messenger for all messages and avoid sharing your personal phone number, home address or email when possible.
• Be cautious with cash and payments. Don’t carry large amounts of cash. If you’re using digital payments, make sure you fully inspect the item before sending money.
• Check who you’re dealing with. Look at the buyer or seller’s profile for friends, photos and previous Marketplace activity. Be extra careful with brand-new or nearly empty accounts.
• Don’t ignore red flags. If the other person repeatedly tries to change the time or location at the last minute, or if the deal seems too good to be true, cancel the meetup and walk away.

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