Warning: Criminals Targeting Hudson Valley Victims on Craigslist

A Hudson Valley man tried to sell his mobile phone online, but wound up getting assaulted and held by gunpoint instead.

The Times Herald Record reports that a 34-year-old Kingston man listed his cell phone on Craigslist and made arrangements to meet a potential buyer. When he arrived at the agreed upon location he says 4 men jumped out of the car, pointed a gun at him, grabbed the phone and then punched him in the face.

After calling the police and giving a description of the car, the 4 men were found at the Hudson Valley Mall. The phone was recovered and the 4 men were arrested and charged with first and second degree robbery, second degree assault and fourth degree criminal possession of stolen property; all felonies.

Security experts have warned against meeting potential Craigslist buyers in remote locations alone. About Tech has some common sense tips for making a Craigslist transaction while keeping you and your property safe.

One of the most important tips is to always meet the buyer or seller in a public place, and bring a friend along. A coffee shop or restaurant is a great place to meet where it's unlikely you could get held up or assaulted.

Craigslist suggests that you never meet in a secluded place or invite people to your home. Some sellers even insist on meeting at the local police station, eliminating any fear of theft or violence.

If you suspect that you are being scammed or targeted for a crime through Craigslist, contact the local authorities immediately.