If you have ever felt nervous meeting up with someone you don’t know to purchase that item you want from an online marketplace then you know there has to be a safer way. Now there is!
Winnipeg Police announced on Wednesday August 7, 2019 that in an effort to promote personal safety they have set up “Buy and Sell Exchange Zones” at the four main police stations in the city.
The idea behind the zones is to give you a safe place to make an exchange when you purchase something from someone you don’t know.
Police say that the zones do come with some caveats including that by using them you subject to video monitoring in an around the police stations and that they do not assume any responsibility for the use of the zones. Police will not help with transactions in anyway.
- Robberies from online ads prompt police to issue
warning - Armed robbery charges laid after suspects rip-off online sellers
- Online connections turn into armed robberies
Exchanges involving weapons or illegal items are not permitted.
Police say that it is wise to use caution when purchasing items through online ads and they offer the following crime prevention tips:
- Ask for a photo of the serial number before meeting and attempt to confirm the item hasn’t been reported stolen.
- Dont provide your personal information to anyone.
- Buying or selling – take screenshots of the advertisement and ID number, the seller’s contact information, and all communications.
- Check the buyer/seller’s name through an online search engine.
- Take only enough cash with you to pay for the item being purchased
- Ask about the history of the item being sold.
- Meet during daylight hours, in a public space.
- Do not transfer/provide money to the person before receiving the product.
- Do not meet someone alone.
- Do not give our personal or banking information.
- Use generic photos when posting an item for sale.
- Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, it probably is.
You can check the serial number of items to see if they have been reported stolen at the Canadian Police Information website.
© News4.ca 2020
