Have you ever been nervous to meet-up with someone after buying an item online?
While services like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace make it easier to find used items you need at low prices, there is the risk of the transaction turning negative quickly. The Halton Police says that “many people have become victims of crimes like robberies, frauds and thefts when attempting to buy or sell property online.” That’s why the HRPS has launched its first-ever Buy & Sell Exchange Zone.
The goal with this new location is to provide some additional peace of mind to those who are buying, selling, or trading items online.
The clearly-signed Exchange Zone is in the visitor parking lot at the HRPS 20 Division facility, which is located at:
95 Oak Walk Drive
Oakville, Ontario L6H 0G6
Phone: 905-825-4777 ext. 2205
The Halton Police adds that if you can’t meet at the Buy & Sell Exchange Zone, complete your transactions in well-lit, public and popular locations to avoid being a victim of crime. Tips to follow include:
- Complete your transaction during daytime hours only;
- use the buddy system when possible. Bring a family or friend with you, or at the very least, let someone know who you will be meeting, the time, and the location of the exchange;
- to reduce the potential of falling victim to fraud, never complete a buy and sell transaction by mail;
- when meeting in person, always inspect goods you wish to purchase before giving money to the seller;
- limit the amount of personal information you provide; and,
- stop – pause – think. If something seems too good to be true, it likely is.
In the case of an emergency, call 911.
