Wakefield Police Urge Residents to Use Caution When Buying or Selling from the Internet

For Immediate Release
Friday, Nov. 7, 2014

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Wakefield Police Urge Residents to Use Caution When Buying or Selling from the Internet

WAKEFIELD — With the popularity of Internet sites like Craigslist and other social media sites increasingly being used for buying and selling, opportunities for scammers and other criminals also increases. The Wakefield Police would like to remind those who utilize these sites to keep their safety a priority.

• If you’re selling, don’t photograph the item with your house easily identifiable in the photo, especially if you’re selling high-value items.
• Never meet someone alone – bring a friend with you.
• Tell a friend or family member where you are going.
• Take your cell phone with you.
• Always arrange to meet in a well-lit public place. The police station lobby is a public area and the public is welcome to make the transaction there. 
• Avoid having strangers come to your house or go to a stranger’s house.
• Be suspicious if the buyer/seller refuses to meet at a public place or changes the agreed-upon meeting place.
• Don’t accept personal checks or money orders.
• Trust your instincts – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

The men and women of the Wakefield Police Department are mindful of the number of opportunists that present themselves on the internet.  Chief Rick Smith reminds all residents to use caution and never hesitate to call in the event there are questions or suspicions.

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