A Melbourne duo has found themselves in hot water after allegedly orchestrating a deceitful robbery during the sale of a high-end designer handbag through Facebook Marketplace.

The pair, identified as a 21-year-old woman from Gladstone Park and a 28-year-old man from Broadmeadows, stand accused of staging the robbery in May and subsequently profiting from the sale of the stolen item.

According to police reports, the incident unfolded when the woman arranged to meet the seller via the popular online marketplace to inspect the luxury handbag, valued at thousands of dollars.

However, what was supposed to be a routine transaction took a dramatic turn when, during the meeting, a man purportedly approached the buyer, assaulted her, and absconded with the handbag.

Upon further investigation, authorities allege that the robbery was a premeditated scheme concocted by the accused pair. It is asserted that they were acquainted with each other and had conspired to stage the theft, with the intention of later selling the stolen handbag and dividing the proceeds between them.

In light of these accusations, the Gladstone Park woman has been charged with perjury, theft, and handling stolen goods, while her accomplice, the Broadmeadows man, faces charges of theft, handling stolen goods, and obtaining property by deception.

Despite the gravity of the charges, both individuals have been granted bail and are scheduled to appear in the Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on October 9 to answer to the allegations.

This incident serves as a cautionary tale highlighting the potential risks associated with online marketplaces and underscores the importance of exercising vigilance and prudence when engaging in such transactions.

Meta’s Facebook, with its vast user base and extensive reach, has become the go-to destination for scammers seeking to prey on unsuspecting individuals and has undeniably emerged as a central hub for connectivity, information dissemination, fake accounts and unfortunately, a breeding ground for illicit activities

Authorities urge members of the public to remain wary of suspicious activities and report any concerns to law enforcement promptly.