'Exchange Zones' For Online Sales Set Up By Montgomery County Police

SILVER SPRING, MD — The Montgomery County Police Department has designated various "Exchange Zones" throughout the county where residents can complete online transactions in safety. This makes exchanges between buyers and sellers who use websites like Craigslist safer, by eliminating the chance of potential fraud and robberies.

Montgomery County Police employees will not participate in these transactions or act as witnesses, and parties are encouraged to call 911 if a crime occurs.

The police department gives the following tips for those selling or purchasing items from an unknown person:

• Always meet the buyer or seller at an exchange zone that is well populated, well lit, and preferably at a designated police exchange zone.
• Tell a friend or family member where you’re going to meet someone and when possible, take a friend with you.
• Inform the buyer/seller that you will not be alone.
• Trust your instincts – if it sounds like a scam or too good to be true, it probably is.
• Do not invite strangers into your home.
• Never give out any personal or financial information.

The "Exchange Zones" are located at each of the six police district station's lobbies and parking lots:

Headquarters/First District Station (Rockville)

Address: 100 Edison Park Drive, Gaithersburg, 20878

Phone number: (240) 773-6070

Second District Station (Bethesda)

Address: 7359 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, 20814

Phone number: (240) 773-6700

Third District Station (Silver Spring)

Address: 1002 Milestone Drive, Silver Spring, 20904

Phone number: (240) 773-6800

Fourth District Station (Wheaton)

Address: 2300 Randolph Road, Wheaton, 20902

Phone number: (240) 773-5500

Fifth District Station (Germantown)

Address: 20000 Aircraft Drive, Germantown, 20874

Phone number: (240) 773-6200

Sixth District Station (Gaithersburg)

Address: 45 West Watkins Mill Road, Gaithersburg, 20878

Phone number: (240) 773-5700

Photo: Patch File Photo