Cops Step Up to Make Online Transactions Safer

As stories about online transactions gone horribly wrong for buyers and sellers continue to make headlines, the Sarasota Police Department is stepping up to provide a solution.

The agency announced Wednesday it will now offer up the lobby in its 2099 Adams Lane headquarters for residents and visitors to conduct in-person meetings to conclude online transactions.

A rash of Craigslist-related crimes have made news across the country in recent months. Back in March, a Maryland couple was reportedly duped out of $3,000 by a man who cashed in prepaid cards in St. Petersburg. Two recent armed robberies in Safety Harbor are attributed to a motorcycle-for-sale ad listed on Craigslist.

Then there were the cases that went national. Earlier this year, a Georgia couple was killed while trying to conclude a Craigslist deal. In March, a Colorado woman had her fetus cut out of her womb while reportedly attempting to purchase baby clothing. While she survived, the baby did not.

See Also:

• Phony Craigslist Ads Set Stage for Armed Robberies, Deputies Say
• Dog Sitter Sold Pooch on Craigslist, Cops Say
• Phony Florida Craigslist Seller Took Maryland Car Buyer for a Ride
• Craigslist Ad Led Cops to Alleged Counterfeiter’s Door

Sarasota police say there has not been a recent increase of robberies within the community involving online transactions. Even so, the number of cases across the country prompted the local move. Other local agencies that provide similar services include the Manatee and Hillsborough county sheriff’s offices. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office does not have a formal program, but spokeswoman Sgt. Liz Brady said the agency’s headquarters is a public space, so it could be used in such a manner.

“Transactions of online purchases should never, ever be done in areas like secluded parking lots, in the dark or in unfamiliar locations, especially when you’re dealing with people you’ve never met,” said Sarasota Chief Bernadette DiPino.”There is no way to know if the person you’re conducting a transaction with has the wrong intention. Using our lobby will reassure both the buyer and seller.”

The Sarasota lobby is officially available for public use to conclude online transactions between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily.

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