Online Purchasing Tips from Havre de Grace Police

After receiving reports that two individuals were the victims of Craigslist scams in the past month, the Havre de Grace Police Department provided a host of consumer safety tips.

Related: Craigslist Scammers Strike in Havre de Grace

“While quick, easy and great deals can be made using internet-based exchanges such as Craigslist ... it is extremely important to exercise due caution and to take the necessary steps to protect yourself,” according to the Havre de Grace Police Department.

The department offered the following guidelines for transactions with online sellers:

• Meet in a public place during daytime hours if a purchase/transaction is occurring between two private parties. Not possible? Ensure the designated meeting spot is well-lit at night. Consider meeting at a police or fire station.
• Take another person with you and stay in sight of one another. Never go alone.
• Reschedule the transaction for another day if the seller suggests a change in plans or location during the meeting; the business deal may not be solid. Also note that a truly serious seller would have all necessary paperwork in order at the time of the meeting.
• Verify that a person claiming to be affiliated with a company/business is in fact associated with it; search online for the place of employment and contact the company directly to double-check. Get an office address where appropriate paperwork can be completed.
• Never provide personal information over the phone or internet. If a person is a legitimate agent/employee of a company, there will be a place of business to complete all required paperwork.
• Research the item you plan to buy and find out whether this is a fair deal or if it may be “too good to be true.”
• Trust your instincts. Feeling uneasy about the transaction? Take a time out and rethink your options.

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