Theft and Craigslist seem to go hand in hand these days unfortunately. Con artists are searching all of craigslist to find high end devices and items to steal when they meet up with you. Recently, the problem has become so bad that Vancouver Police set up a sting operation. They posted an iPhone for sale on Craigslist and very soon found a buyer. The undercover cop agreed to meet the man, and when they met he hit her in the chest and stole the bag containing the cell phone! Police easily followed the man to a house nearby and arrested him.
The real message isn’t that vancouver streets are safe from iphone thefts, but rather you must be aware of who you are meeting and where; especially when high priced items are involved. Always use the best practice tips for meeting safely. Many police stations offer up their front lobby area as a safe place to make a deal. Be safe!
Meeting Safely on Craigslist: Best Practices for Classified Ad Users
Craigslist is a great way to get an awesome deal. However, meeting strangers for a transaction can be risky. That’s why it’s important to take the right steps to ensure your personal safety when meeting someone you’ve connected with on Craigslist. Read on to learn the best practice tips for meeting safely on Craigslist.
Do Your Research
Doing your research is the first step to staying safe when meeting with someone you’ve connected with on Craigslist. Take the time to look into the user, read their posts, and find out what other users are saying about them. This will give you an idea of who they are and how reliable they are. If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t proceed with the transaction.
This likely wont work for the average Craigslist user, but you can also do a reverse image search on Google to make sure the person is who they say they are. This can help prevent scams and fraudulent activity.
Meet in a Public Place
When meeting someone you’ve connected with on Craigslist, it’s always best to meet in a public place. This will ensure that you’re in a safe and secure environment. Choose a place that is well-lit and populated so that you can feel comfortable and secure. A police station is always a great choice!
It’s also a good idea to inform a friend or family member of your whereabouts and the details of the meeting. That way, if something were to happen, you would have someone to call for help.
Trust Your Instincts
Be cautious and go with your gut when meeting someone from Craigslist. You shouldn’t engage in business with someone or wherever you don’t feel safe. To be safe than sorry applies in all situations. If the other person is being too pushy or pressing you into making a decision, it’s preferable to leave. Nobody has the right to force you to do anything that might put your safety at risk.
Bring Protection
Meeting someone from Craigslist can be risky, so it’s always best to bring protection. This could be pepper spray or simply even a friend. Whatever you choose, make sure you’re prepared in case something were to happen. It’s also a good idea to bring your cell phone so that you can contact someone if needed. Make sure to charge your phone before leaving and to keep it on you at all times.
Conclusion
Meeting someone from Craigslist can be a risky endeavor, but following the best practice tips outlined here can help ensure your safety. Do your research, meet in a public place, trust your instincts, and bring protection. Taking these steps will help keep you safe when meeting someone from Craigslist.
