Fairfax County, VA – Buying and selling items through online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craigslist, and Ebay make it easy to find great deals. While most transactions go smoothly, meeting a stranger to exchange cash and goods does carry some risk.

FCPD strongly encourages buyers and sellers to utilize our Safe Exchange Zone parking spots whenever possible. These designated spaces are in most of our district stations’ parking lots and are monitored by 24-hour video surveillance, providing a safer, more visible setting to complete online purchase meetups. In addition, community members are also welcome to use the lobbies within our district stations as an additional safe meetup location for exchanges.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when buying and selling online:

  1. Meet in a public place. Always arrange to meet the seller/buyer in a safe, public location, such as a Safe Exchange Zone, coffee shop, or shopping center. Avoid secluded areas and never invite a stranger to your home.
  2. Bring a friend. Whenever possible, bring a friend or family member with you. Having someone else present can deter potential scams or unsafe situations.
  3. Meet during daylight hours. Complete the transaction in daylight whenever possible and avoid making meet up appointments at night.
  4. Inspect the item thoroughly. Before finalizing the purchase, carefully check that the item matches the listing and is in the condition described.
  5. Trust your instincts. If the seller/buyer seems suspicious, the deal seems too good to be true, or something feels off, walk away.
  6. Verify the other party’s identity. Ask for a name and contact information before meeting and cross-reference it with their social media or platform profile when possible.
  7. Don’t share personal information. Avoid giving out your home address, phone number, or Social Security number. Stick to information necessary for the transaction.
  8. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. For higher-value items, consider secure payment methods like PayPal or Venmo, which offer buyer protection.
  9. Avoid wire transfers or money orders. These payment methods are often linked to scams and offer little recourse if something goes wrong.
  10. Report suspicious activity. If you notice a suspicious seller/buyer or fraudulent activity, report it to the platform’s support team as well as your district station’s Crime Prevention Unit.

If you have questions or need further assistance, please reach out to your district station’s Crime Prevention Unit.

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