DALLAS — The Dallas Police Department has released a list of tips on its website for safe online sale meetups.
A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed last week while waiting to sell earbuds.
"Always remember, you are meeting a stranger and an online profile can be deceptive," the post on DPD Beat reads. "Don’t let your guard down just because you’ve exchanged a few messages."
Police officials say these tips are good rules to follow if you're ever meeting up to sell something to someone you met online:
- When meeting in surrounding cities that may be unfamiliar to you, always research a safe meeting location and familiarize yourself with the area
- Always meet in a well-lit, public place; preferably a safe zone
- Never go alone
- Always meet during the day
- If it’s a high-priced item, meet in the lobby of a police station
- Keep your cell phone close and be ready to call 911 at the first sign of trouble
- Never give out personal or financial information
- Avoid using money wiring services for these transactions. It is the method of choice for scammers
- Never buy something without seeing it first
- Let someone know where you’ll be and who you are meeting
- Leave if you feel uncomfortable
- If you are selling a large item that is not easily transportable, move the item into the garage or entryway, if possible. That way buyers don’t have to come all the way into your home
- Some police departments and retail locations now offer “Safe Meeting Places," "Safe Trade Stations” or “Safe Zones." Those Dallas locations can be found here.