LOWER EAST SIDE — A man trying to sell his MacBook on Tuesday was mugged by a prospective buyer, who handed him fake money then pulled a knife while thanking him for his business.
The 36-year-old victim met the suspect at around 12:35 a.m. at the corner of Ludlow and East Houston streets to swap his MacBook for $1,500 cash after meeting on the OfferUp App, which allows sellers to hawk their unwanted goods to local buyers, according to authorities.
After making the exchange, the victim realized the suspect had handed him fake cash and asked for his computer back, according to a police report.
The suspect then pulled out a knife and said "Thank you for business" before fleeing south on Ludlow Street with both the MacBook and the fake cash, police said.
The victim gave police what he believes is the thief's name, but no arrests have been made and police are still investigating the incident.
An OfferUp representative said the company prioritizes user safety and is working with police as they investigate the incident.
"The safety of our users is one of OfferUp’s core values. We have a team whose sole focus every day is to make local buying and selling a more trusted experience," said an OfferUp spokeswoman. "We are working with the New York Police Department in regards to this incident and offering any assistance we can."
