Wethersfield Police Set Up "Safe" Area For Internet Purchase Exchanges

WETHERSFIELD, CT — The Wethersfield Police Department is setting up what officers are dubbing an “Exchange Zone,” a designated area where the public can conduct "legal transactions for items that they have sold or purchased online."

The announcement was made Wednesday. The Exchange Zone is located in the parking area in front of the WPD's 250 Silas Deane Highway location.

Here is an overview of the Exchange Zone:

• Officers and Dispatchers will not monitor, facilitate or log any transactions/exchanges.
• The location may or may not be under direct video surveillance.
• There is no guarantee that the Exchange Zone location will provide greater safety compared to other public locations. The Wethersfield Police Department Exchange Zone is simply an option available when persons want to schedule a transaction in a public place. It is the intent of the Wethersfield Police Department to provide a location that will provide a greater sense of safety and security to its users, while diminishing the likelihood of malfeasance.
• The Wethersfield Police Department Exchange Zone may be used for other legal exchanges such as property between two individuals or for child visitation exchanges.
• Be aware, while the vast majority of people conducting online transactions are good, honest, law abiding citizens, there are those who use online transactions and exchanges as a means to facilitate criminal activity. Those conducting online transactions are strangers and it is important to take reasonable precautions to minimize the likelihood of victimization.

Police said by following certain guidelines, people can greatly decrease their chances of becoming the victim of a robbery, larceny or identity theft:

• Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you are expected to return.
• Have a friend or family member accompany you, for there is strength in numbers.
• Conduct exchanges during daylight hours, in a public place. Never use a secluded location.
• Have a cell phone ready and make certain it is charged and turned on.
• After conducting a transaction, make certain you are not followed home from the transaction location. If you are, call the police and return to the police station.
• Always trust your instincts and take other reasonable precautions as necessary. If you identify any red flags or have any other concerns, cancel your plans for a transaction. Remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Here are some scam alerts, according to police:

• An e-mail or text from someone not from your local area.
• A vague initial inquiry. Callers may ask about, “the item” as opposed to mentioning it by name.
• Poor grammar and spelling in correspondence.
• Requests for payment via Western Union, Money Gram, cashier check, money order, paypal, shipping, escrow service or a “guarantee."
• The inability or refusal to meet face to face to complete the transaction.