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A string of robberies have been taking place in Metro Vancouver involving an online buying and selling app.

Surrey RCMP issued a warning today (September 30) that several users of the online app LetGo have been targeted for robbery, and that they are currently investigating four separate cases that involve the app.

In each case, victims were robbed after they arranged meetings to buy a cellphone from someone who was advertising on LetGo. LetGo is an app designed to help to buy or sell used items locally and was launched in Canada in 2016.

Surrey RCMP stated in a news release that the two robbery suspects are described as dark-skinned males who appear to be teenagers.

Anyone with information about these robberies is asked to call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or, to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Among the safety tips when meeting unknown individuals to buy items, Surrey RCMP recommend meeting in a public place, meeting in daylight hours and heavily populated areas, informing family or friends about the meeting, and taking a cellphone or friend along.

Richmond RCMP even recommend meeting at their RCMP detachment lobby for any online-based transactions.

Meanwhile, a different type of online sales crime has been taking place in Metro Vancouver in recent months.

On August 27, North Vancouver RCMP warned residents about a series of fake smartphones being sold online, with 15 counterfeit smartphones being seized by police.

Then on August 29, North Vancouver RCMP arrested 26-year-old Jesse Sailer of North Vancouver.