From Niesha Lofing:
Investigators say they believe a Roseville man's alleged Craigslist scam is linked to frauds in four states.
Anthony Vincenzo Iacolino (photo left), 27, allegedly placed an ad on the Internet classified advertising Web site's Seattle listings in October, offering an Apple MacBook for sale, Roseville police spokeswoman Dee Dee Gunther said.
A Seattle couple contacted Iacolino about buying the laptop, and he promised to ship it as soon as he received payment, Gunther said.
The victims paid Iacolino using an electronic fund transfer, and Iacolino allegedly e-mailed them a phony tracking number for their shipment. They never received the laptop, Gunther said.
The couple reported the incident to Roseville police.
Detectives arrested Iacolino on suspicion of grand theft on Jan. 13 at his home.
He was booked into the Roseville Police Department Jail and released on a $5,000 bail bond, she said.
Police continue to investigate, saying they believe additional victims are in Washington, Texas, Colorado and southern California and are continuing to investigate the case.
Gunther said people who think they are victims of fraud in cases of Internet purchases can contact local police or the police in the jurisdiction where the crime is alleged to have occurred.
Gunther said a good tip for protecting oneself is to deal with local sellers and buyers and exchange money and goods in a public place instead of at a private home.
"Buyer beware -- the Internet's the Wild West," she said.
Craigslist also offers several tips on avoiding scams, including the following:
• Never give out financial information, such as your bank account or PayPal information.
• Fake cashier's checks and money orders are common.
• Be aware that Craigslist does not guarantee transactions.
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