Cherry Hill Police Create Safe Transaction Zones For Online Classified Purchases
CHERRY HILL, N.J. (CBS) -- When it comes to buying things advertised online, never forget the old saying: If it's too good to be true, it probably is. And Cherry Hill police have seen some serious scams.
"We had one instance where someone met someone advertising the sale of iPhones on Craigslist. When they met with the buyer, they exchanged $800 and found that boxes of iPhones were filled with rocks and cotton," Captain Amy Winters tells Eyewitness News.
So just in time for holiday shopping, the department is to do something to help ensure the safety of person-to-person online transactions.
They created safe transaction zones at the police station. One place outside at the drop-off loop of the parking lot, and the other spot is in the waiting area of the police station lobby.
"They're both available 24-7. We have electronic surveillance and if somebody wants to meet, we encourage them to come to this forum so it's a safe haven for them," Captain Winters says.
Not only can video recording help police find a person who does a bogus deal, the location can help ensure personal safety- that you won't be attacked in anyway.
"We would hope this would deter anyone with a criminal purpose that they wouldn't want to meet in the police station or the parking lot of the police station knowing that it is under surveillance," Captain Winters says.
And if someone isn't willing to meet at the police station, maybe it's a red flag you shouldn't do the deal.
"I think it's a great idea. It's a safe place and you're not taking much of a risk," says Melanie Schwartz of Cherry Hill.