A Mississippi couple was injured in a Memphis shooting that stemmed from a fraudulent Facebook Marketplace car sale. After realizing the deal was a scam, a confrontation escalated into gunfire, leaving both the buyer and his girlfriend with non-critical injuries.

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MEMPHIS, TN (2-minute read) — A Saturday trip from Mississippi to Memphis turned violent for a couple who thought they were buying a car through Facebook Marketplace. Memphis Police say a man and his girlfriend were shot in Frayser during a meet-up to purchase a black Chevrolet Camaro, which turned out to be part of a scam.

According to the police report, the couple had traveled to a shopping center near Thomas Street and North Watkins Street to buy the vehicle, which was advertised by the suspect on Facebook. The man test drove the Camaro and, satisfied with its condition, completed the transaction by exchanging money and receiving the title. But just moments later, the seller informed them that the deal was bogus — the car and paperwork were fake.

As the male victim attempted to retrieve his keys from the suspect’s vehicle, a confrontation broke out. The suspect reportedly grabbed the man by the shirt, prompting the victim’s girlfriend to intervene. Fearing for their safety, she fired a shot at the suspect. The suspect then pulled his own firearm and fired back, striking both the man and woman.

Officers arrived shortly after the shots were fired. Both victims were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. One individual — believed to be the suspect — was taken into custody at the scene.

Online Marketplaces and Personal Safety

Meeting strangers in person for purchases can be unpredictable. While Facebook Marketplace and similar platforms offer convenient buying and selling, they also present real dangers. Always arrange meet-ups in well-lit, public areas, ideally with surveillance cameras or designated “Safe Exchange Zones” at local police departments. Never go alone, and always inform someone of your whereabouts.

Safety Tip: Always verify the legitimacy of online transactions, and meet in police-monitored areas. If you carry a firearm, stay current on self-defense laws in your state and others you travel through.