Buying and selling items on the internet has become popular and easy to do with the abundance of mobile apps available today. The Arcadia PD recently designated an Internet Exchange “Meet Up” spot in the station parking lot.
The lot has video surveillance and is adjacent to the police station in the southwest corner of the parking lot. The staff does not specifically monitor the camera feed, but like all feeds, it is viewable live and is recorded. Officers will not mediate or participate in exchanges but will respond if they are needed for criminal or suspicious activity.
Here are some tips from Arcadia PD for conducting a safe Internet exchange:
– Arrange for the exchange during daylight hours.
– Always meet in a visible, public area, preferably with recorded surveillance.
– Avoid transactions at your home and NEVER allow strangers into your home.
– Know the value of items being bought or sold. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
– Bring a friend along.
– Tell someone else where you will be and how long you are expected to be there.
– If the person is not willing to meet at the police station, the transaction probably was not meant to be.
