Safe Places To Pick Up Online Purchases Offered By Sheriff

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY —There's no disputing the bargains found online at marketplace sites where private individuals offer items at great prices, and sometimes, for free. But many are wary of meeting up with strangers to complete the transactions and pick up the items.

To that end, for those buying holiday gifts through an online marketplace or selling items online to earn some extra cash during the holiday season, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. has announced two "safe transaction zones" where buyers and sellers can meet.

The goal, Toulon said, was to help protect citizens from theft and assault often associated with online transactions. The two safe transaction zones were designed to safeguard residents from various crimes associated with social media marketplace buying and selling, he said.

The safe transaction zones are located at the sheriff’s office at 100 Center Drive in Riverhead and at the Yaphank facility, located at 202 Glover Drive.

Both are clearly marked with red and white signs and are in full view of on-duty deputy sheriffs, Toulon said.

Residents are encouraged to use the marked areas as a place to meet for in-person exchanges of online purchases. Sheriff’s deputies will not participate in the exchanges or act as official witnesses in transactions, as most purchase agreements and transactions are civil matters, Toulon said.

"However, with deputies nearby, the area will be safer for buyers and sellers," he added.

Residents are urged to use the area during daylight hours and will not have to schedule an appointment with the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff also offered safety tips to keep in mind when conducting such transactions:

• Do not go to a transaction alone

• Make sure a friend or family member is aware of the transaction details.

• Insist on meeting in a public area like the sheriff’s office’s safe transaction zones.

• Do not go into someone else’s house, and do not allow them into yours.

• Complete the transaction during daylight hours.

• Be extra cautious when buying or selling valuable items such as vehicles and jewelry.

• Only use cash or money orders to complete your transactions.

• Trust your instincts — if it sounds like a scam, it probably is.

• If someone is not willing to come to the sheriff’s office to do a transaction, it is probably not a legitimate transaction.