Montrealer warns others after Facebook Marketplace sale ends in bear spray attack

A Montreal man is speaking out after he was attacked while selling an iPhone through Facebook Marketplace. The incident was caught on camera.

A Montreal man is coming forward after he says he was attacked by two people while selling an iPhone on Facebook Marketplace.

Edward, who would prefer not to give his last name for safety reasons, says he was attacked while selling the phone this summer outside his home in Saint-Laurent.

His neighbour’s surveillance camera captured the incident.

It shows Edward greeting the two men on the sidewalk, where they have a brief conversation.

Edward hands the phone over to one of the men.

Suddenly, the other man shoots bear spray at him, before both run off and escape in a car.

Edward says he wasn’t seriously injured and managed to remain calm.

“I was able to close my eyes quick enough and shield my face enough so it doesn’t get on my eyes, but yeah, that’s it -- it just stung a lot,” he said.

Police are investigating and told him the case is advancing.

“I feel like the camera footage is what got me a detective so quickly on my case, because he got back to me within 24 hours,” he said.

He tells CTV News he’s coming forward now because he wants others to take more precautions when selling items online.

“My recommendation would be to be more aware of your surroundings. Definitely look out for suspicious behaviour on the platform,” he said. “You would have to do your own due diligence, which is something I didn’t do.”

He pointed to accounts that don’t have a profile picture, any history on their page or friends.

He also said in hindsight, he realized there was an obvious giveaway that it was a scam.

“They did not negotiate the price, which is usually something that is the first thing you do on Facebook Marketplace,” he said. “You always negotiate the price, and that’s, unfortunately, something I realized after.”

Safety tips for sellers and buyers

Montreal police (SPVM) recommend using designated “safe exchange zones,” which are monitored by cameras and accessible 24/7, as well as bringing a trusted person along whenever possible.

Police remind those purchasing or selling items online to investigate the seller or buyer before continuing the transaction.

There are safe trading zones listed on most local police sites.

The Montreal police department has 18 such zones listed.