What are the Consequences for Selling Stolen Items on Facebook?

By San Diego Attorney on January 26, 2022

Facebook offers users the ability to sell goods through Facebook Marketplace. This option has benefited many people who wanted to sell furniture or other items – but these sites have also been used to sell stolen items. Facebook Marketplace appears to have become the preferred platform to sell stolen goods – but is not the only one. eBay, and OfferUp have also been used to move stolen goods. Facebook, eBay and OfferUp prohibit the sale of stolen goods.

These platforms often work with law enforcement to identify those selling stolen merchandise on their marketplaces. Facebook Marketplace has Commerce Policies that prohibit the sale of stolen items. But what will happen to you if you are found to be selling stolen goods on Facebook? You can expect a visit from law enforcement, a thorough search of your home, vehicle, and property, and charges filed for possession of stolen property filed against you.

How Law Enforcement Tracks Down Sellers of Stolen Goods

Law enforcement teams are engaged in identifying any person who is selling stolen goods on Facebook Marketplace. With the recent rash of smash and grab retail thefts, they are focused on finding those who engaged in these thefts. They look for the types of items stolen from these retail outlets and focus on deals that are “still in box” or are being sold at a price that is too good to be true. An “anonymous” profile is another red flag.

Under the California Penal Code, a charge of grand theft can be filed against any person who is believed to have taken real or personal property with a combined value of $950 or more. The person who bought the item may be charged with receiving stolen property if the person in possession is believed to have been aware that the property was stolen.

Penalties for Selling Stolen Goods

Selling stolen goods on Facebook can land you in jail or state prison. As Facebook is available to people worldwide, you could face federal charges if you sell stolen goods through Marketplace, across state lines, and could face up to 10 years in federal prison in a conviction.

Penalties for Possession of Stolen Goods

A person convicted of possession of stolen goods can face either misdemeanor or felony charges, based on the value of the item or items. If a misdemeanor, you could face up to one year in jail. If a felony, you could face up to three years in state prison and could be facing civil penalties that include paying the owner of the property up to three times the value of the stolen items.

Arrested and Charged with Selling Stolen Goods on Marketplace? Call Us.

If you are accused of selling stolen items on Facebook Marketplace, you are in serious legal trouble. Your first action, if you are under investigation or are facing charges, is to exercise your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney – the right attorney. At jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, we take on defending people who are accused of this crime with an extraordinary level of experience. Our founder James N. Dicks, formerly served as a Los Angeles Police Department investigator and is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist.

Don’t take any chances if you are caught in the criminal justice system and accused of selling stolen goods on Facebook – call a San Diego theft defense attorney for a free case consultation immediately at (760) 630-2000.