GREENE COUNTY — With the threat of shortages and shipping delays, lots of people turning to online sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist to locate hard-to-find gifts. This often means buyers and sellers will need to meet in-person, but there are places to make those transactions safely.
Christina Schaefer, city of Xenia Public Relations Coordinator, told News Center 7′s Gabrielle Enright about “E-Commerce Exchange Spots” where people can safely make in-person transactions.
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Schaefer said there are two spots in the parking lot of the city administration building on E. Main Street.
“It’s a well-lit area right in the middle of town,” Schaefer said. “It’s a safe spot that is always under video surveillance.”
In the city of Fairborn, there is also a safe exchange zone at it’s police department, which is under 24-hour video surveillance. Officials said it was a place where custody, internet sales and other personal transactions can take place.
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News Center 7 checked and many other cities have similar safe exchange zones for e-commerce transactions. You can check with your local police departments to find out if they have a designated safe spot.
Before you buy online, do your research. Here are some tips for safe online transactions:
- Make sure you are doing business with a reputable seller.
- To avoid identity theft, limit the amount of person information you disclose.
- Discuss the details of the transaction before meeting.
- Consider bringing a friend with you when you go to pick up your item.