If you use online classified ads like Craigslist, be safe when you meet the person who is selling/buying. It's rare, but Craigslist muggings do happen. A Georgia couple who went to buy a car advertised on Craigslist was even murdered earlier this year. Fortunately there's an easy way to stop a would-be Craigslist killer or thief in his tracks...
CRAIGSLIST TIP: If you sell jewelry, a phone, a laptop computer or some other small, valuable item to someone on Craigslist, don't hand it to a stranger who could run off with it! Meet that person at a bank with cameras (or a similar place) to make your exchange.
Related » List of Safe Craigslist Exchange Places
Better still, thanks to a new program implemented in Jan 2015 by Oklahoma Sheriff John Whetsel, anyone looking for a "safe place" to make legal transactions can close online deals at sheriff's offices and sub-stations throughout Oklahoma County.
“We want to make sure citizens of Oklahoma County have a safe place to conduct transactions that are initiated through online sites like Craigslist,” Sheriff Whetsel said in a press release about the program.
The Sheriff said this option will also protect people against Craigslist scams.
“Those who seek to prey on our citizens will not want to transact business with law enforcement officers present."
“Those who seek to prey on our citizens will not want to transact business with law enforcement officers present."
According to Whetsel, ”If you're trying to complete a transaction, and you suggest to someone they meet you at the sheriff office substation, and they say no, that should issue a red flag to you.”
The OSCO offices and sub-stations are located at:
- Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office and Detention Center – 201 N. Shartel, Oklahoma City, 24 hours daily
- Quail Springs Mall substation (NE upper entry) – 2501 W. Memorial Road, Oklahoma City, Mall hours Mon-Sun 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. & Sun noon to 6 p.m.
- Deer Creek substation – 3700 N.W. 206, Suite A (at Portland), Deer Creek, Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Midwest City substation – 8029 S.E. 29th Street, 24 hours daily
CLICK HERE for Garage Sale Shopping Tips
CLICK HERE for Garage Sale Tips for Sellers
Recommended for you:
- State-wide List of Safe Exchange Places Designated for OKC Craigslist
- 5 Essential Questions to Ask Before you buy anything on Craigslist
- Craigslist Curb Alert: Free Sectional Sofa + 15 more curb finds you can get your hands on today
- 16 Sweet Craigslist Furniture Scores Under $50
- Here's a Real Find: Eddie Van Halen's Hot Rod is for sale on Craigslist
- Funny Craigslist Ads
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