HOUSTON – There’s nothing wrong with finding a great deal on online person-to-person sales programs like Facebook Marketplace, but it can be when we sacrifice safety for a bargain.
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Here are the tips from the Houston Police Department to consider the next time you’re buying or selling something online and arranging a meetup:
- Never meet anyone at your home whether buying or selling.
- Always meet in a public place such as a restaurant or shopping center or anywhere where there is a high volume of pedestrian or vehicle traffic. During business hours, a parking lot of a government institution such as a police department, fire department, or library is an excellent public meeting location.
- Avoid meeting at night but if you must then choose a location that is well-lit and has a high volume of pedestrian or vehicular traffic as the presence of other people provides an additional measure of safety.
- Regardless of the location and time you are meeting a prospective buyer or seller always take a family member or friend to observe and witness the transaction.
- Be aware that some criminals use financial or personal information such as credit cards or driver’s license information to engage in identity theft and other financial crimes. Be careful when sharing such personal information.
- Don’t be afraid to terminate a transaction if something seems suspicious. Chances are if a deal seems too good to be true, it might just be.