CAUTION

Safety Precautions for Online Shoppers: Missing woman found shot, burned to death after Facebook Marketplace meetup

An Alabama woman was found shot and burned after she disappeared while allegedly picking up an item she purchased on Facebook Marketplace according to Fox News

Birmingham Police are investigating after a body was found burned Thursday, with arriving officers saying that the body also had "visible signs of trauma." She was pronounced dead at the scene and it was later determined she had been shot, according to a report from NBCDFW. "When I looked out my bedroom window, I seen a big flame," resident Herbert Brown told WVTM. "I look over the fence and there was this body on fire. "The firefighters came, they put the fire out and the police stayed out there until 2 or 3 in the morning just scanning the place," Brown added.

The woman, who was eventually identified as 31-year-old Jermiera Ivory Fowler, had been missing since May 31, when she went to pick up a Facebook Marketplace purchase.

Police have not made any arrests, according to the report, while a potential motive is also still under investigation.

For your safety, our team has put together a list of safety precautions here:

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR ONLINE SHOPPERS

Research the seller: Before making any purchases online, thoroughly research the seller or the platform you're using. Check their reputation, reviews, and ratings from other buyers. Look for any red flags such as negative feedback, suspicious behavior, or a lack of information about the seller.

Verify the identity of the seller: If you're buying from an individual seller, ask for their full name, contact information, and additional verification if possible. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace often have verification features, so take advantage of them. Consider it a warning sign if something seems off or the seller refuses to provide the necessary information.

Choose delivery over picking up in-person pickups when you can: If you're buying an item, prioritize delivery. If you must pick it up in-person, choose a well-lit, public location for the exchange. Popular options include busy shopping centers, police stations, or other public places with surveillance cameras. Avoid secluded areas or private residences.

Bring a friend or notify someone: Whenever possible, bring a friend or family member along when meeting a seller for an in-person exchange. If that's not feasible, inform someone you trust about the meetup details, including the time, location, and the seller's information. Keep them updated throughout the process.

Trust your instincts, it's the voice of the Holy Spirit: If something feels off or makes you uncomfortable during any stage of the online shopping process, trust your instincts and reconsider the transaction. Your safety should always be a priority, and it's better to be cautious than to risk potential harm.

Use secure payment methods: Opt for secure payment methods - Platforms' payment methods such as Uncursed Wallet for transactions on Uncursed Platform, Apple Pay, PayPal, credit cards, or other reputable payment platforms that offer buyer protection. Avoid using cash or wiring money directly to the seller, as these methods offer little to no recourse if something goes wrong with the transaction. READ ABOUT UNCURSED WALLETS HERE: https://uncursed.com/pages/uncursed-wallets-and-payments

Report suspicious activity: If you encounter any suspicious or fraudulent activity during your online shopping experience, report it to the platform or website where the transaction took place. They can take appropriate actions and prevent others from falling victim to scams or unsafe situations. READ ABOUT HOW TO HANDLE SCAMS AND SUSPICIOUS MESSAGES HERE: https://uncursed.com/pages/how-to-handle-spam-and-suspicious-messages

Educate yourself about online scams: Stay informed about common online scams and techniques used by fraudsters. Be aware of phishing attempts, counterfeit products, and overly enticing deals that seem too good to be true. Regularly update your knowledge about online safety practices.

Leave reviews and feedback: After completing a transaction, consider leaving a review or feedback about your experience with the seller. This helps future buyers make informed decisions and contributes to a safer online shopping community.
Remember, online safety is a shared responsibility. By implementing these precautions and spreading awareness, we can help prevent incidents like the one you mentioned on Facebook Marketplace and create a safer environment for online shoppers.