[ERCA] Rockville City Police to offer Safe Haven for Craig's List Transactions

[ercaerca]

Buyers and sellers utilizing the popular Craig's List and other online services, hoping to carry out a potential transaction, can arrange to meet in the parking lot of the Rockville City  Police station located at 2 W. Montgomery Ave in Rockville effective immediately.  Well-lit and under constant video surveillance, the lot will be open to the public for transactions 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  The Rockville City Police also recommends anyone purchasing items from online sites consider the following recommendations: 

• Ask questions. Ask as many questions as possible before going to buy the item. If the seller can’t answer questions, there is a strong possibility the seller may not actually have the item and could be “setting up” a potential buyer.
• Consider not buying from sellers who only list an email address. This could be a “red flag” that the seller has something to hide.  Request a telephone number and be cautious if they refuse.
• Meet in a public place, like a police station. Criminals do not want witnesses and are seeking easy targets.
• Do not go alone: If you are selling or buying items, consider having a friend accompany you.
• Never go to a second location. If you arrive to the 
• predetermined meeting location and are asked to go to another place, this should raise serious “red flags.”
• Trust your instincts. If it sounds too good to be true, it more than likely is.
• Stay in communication. Let your spouse, friends, family or coworkers know where you are going, who you are meeting with and when you will be back.
• Be on guard and be smart. Don’t wear expensive and “flashy” clothing. Doing so, can invite criminal activity.
• Report any suspicious activity to the Rockville City Police at 240-314-8900.

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Posted By ercaerca to ERCA at 6/09/2015 02:10:00 PM