Facebook Marketplace Warning 

July 23, 2025 – Tulare County Sheriff's Office officials report that a Porterville resident recently lost thousands of dollars after unknowingly purchasing stolen equipment through Facebook Marketplace. The seller provided a believable backstory, but the items were later confirmed to be stolen out of Las Vegas.

Sheriff Boudreaux urges the public to be cautious when buying online. Always verify equipment with a VIN check through local law enforcement. If the deal seems too good to be true — it likely is.

If you have any information about this case, contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218.

View video here.

Source: Tulare County Sheriff's Office