Certain parking places in Pembroke, Ontario, now display new emblems. The spaces outside the Pembroke OPP station at 77 International Dr. with the handshake symbol are intended to function as community safety zones for online transactions.According to the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP, if you buy anything online and need to meet someone in person to pay for it or pick it up, you can select certain areas to ensure everyone’s safety.
According to an OPP news release, “Project Safe Trade seeks to establish a ‘community safety zone’ at an OPP detachment parking lot to facilitate online property transactions.” Creating a ‘community safety zone’ entails shifting internet transactions away from isolated parking lots, personal dwellings, and other locales and into a public venue.”
There is no need to schedule appointments; the secure trade places will be open at all times. “With the hectic holiday season just around the corner, the local launch of Project Safe Trade is timely. Online property sales are on the rise, and the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP detachment commander, Steph Neufeld, is pleased to announce the commencement of a community safety initiative focused at reducing offenses linked to online marketplace transactions.
“Collaborative approaches like Project Safe Trade can help to reduce harm and victimization in our communities.” Const. Mike Mahon told CTV News that the zones can also help prevent people from being victims of fraud. “The old adage goes that if something seems too good to be true, it often is. “Especially if you suggest meeting here and they are very reluctant, that should raise a red flag for you,” he said.
According to the OPP, officers will not act as witnesses, mediators, or document providers during transactions. If an officer is summoned, they will respond and become involved only if the transaction escalates into a criminal case. If you do not want to use the sites, there are other ways to stay safe when meeting strangers online for money transactions.
Gather in a busy public space. Bring along a trustworthy friend or relative to serve as a witness. Execute transactions throughout the daytime. Never erase correspondence between you and the buyer/seller by text, voicemail, or email. Everyone runs about over the Christmas season, but technology expert Carmi Levy says it’s important to take a pause and accomplish some homework.
“Conduct your due diligence on the person claiming to be selling it. Look into their background, examine what else they’ve sold, and find out how other customers have dealt with them,” Levy advised. “Insist on viewing the real device you’re purchasing before handing over any money. Insist they turn it on. Make sure it works before you pay for it.