Winnipeg Police are warning people to be vigilant when it comes to buying or selling items from online classified ads.
Recently members of the Major Crimes Unit have conducted investigations into a number of robberies that happened when people met others to buy or sell items online
Police say that the nature of these types of transactions means the seller or buyer is often anonymous and allows criminals to take advantage of unsuspecting victims.
When buying something online from a private seller police say to follow a few simple tips.
- Never give out your personal information
- Always meet during daylight hours and somewhere public that has video surveillance.
- Ask the seller about the history of the item and for a photo of the serial number. (you can use that to check if it is stolen)
- Never pay for the item before you receive it.
- Never meet the seller alone
- If you can search for the seller or buyers name through Google or similar search engines
Police say that you should also follow your gut. If a situation seems wrong it probably is.
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