During the holiday season customers turn to the Internet to find good deals on certain items. But Lexington police are warning citizens about buying and selling goods from strangers after two people reported being robbed by someone they were supposed to be buying merchandise from.
Police say both reported victims had set up to meet with the alleged suspects after seeing a listing for an iPhone on Craigslist.
http://liarcatchers.com/fraud_investigation.html
When the buyers showed up to the meeting place, they were approached by an armed person, who then took their money and fled the scene, police said.
Below are some tips police say buyers should follow when shopping from strangers online:
– Get as much information about a seller/buyer as you can upfront.
– Deal with local buyers. A local transaction is easier to manage and gives you more control over how and when you will meet.
– Ask for cash and accept cash. A common Internet scam involves buyers paying sellers with money orders or cashiers checks.
– For large ticket items, such as a car, meet the seller/buyer at their bank so that they can get cash directly from the bank.
– Meet in a public place with plenty of people around. Never meet a buyer at your home or theirs. Avoid big open areas like parks or parking lots where other people are less likely to notice you. Do not agree to meet in an area you are unfamiliar with.
– Bring a friend or family member with you, or at least let someone know where you are going and when. Take a cell phone with you as an extra precaution.
