With the increased popularity of online marketplaces, it is now commonplace for people to originate transactions to buy and sell property through the internet. This means the buyer and seller do not know each other when exchanging items, and personal safety becomes an important factor in the transaction.
Don’t meet just anywhere to complete transactions that started online. Use the Naperville Police Department’s front lobby or parking lot to make the exchange!
For years, the Naperville Police Department has encouraged the public to utilize our front lobby at 1350 Aurora Avenue as a safe location to meet and complete transactions that began online. As part of this month’s A Safer Naper campaign, the Naperville Police Department is excited to expand our e-commerce safe transaction area to allow residents to safely complete these transactions even when our lobby is not open.
We now have dedicated “Internet Purchase Exchange Location” parking spaces directly in front of the department that have coverage by hi-definition cameras and safety features that we hope will deter criminals from taking advantage of people wanting to sell goods online. The area is well-lit, video recorded and has access to an emergency telephone.
The lobby is the preferred location to do exchanges. It open and staffed from 7AM until 8PM on weekdays and from 10AM to 6PM on Saturdays, excluding holidays. When the lobby is closed or if the item is too large, the public is encouraged to use these new dedicated parking spots.
The Naperville Police Department is located at 1350 Aurora Ave. Remember, if the other party doesn’t agree to meet here, they’re probably not someone you want to do business with.
Here are a few other safety precautions when conducting transactions:
- Insist on a public meeting place; do not meet in a secluded location or a parking lot of a store. Meet in places that have lots of foot traffic and security cameras, preferably Naperville Police Department!
- Avoid meeting at night, but, if you must, choose a location that is well lit and has a high volume of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
- Do not invite strangers to your home. Again, a public place is preferred, but if the item is too large to be transported, try the garage or other area not accessible to the rest of the home. Have someone with you when the person comes over to look at the item.
- Be especially careful when buying/selling high value items.
- Tell a friend where you are going or have a friend accompany you.
- Take your cell phone. Know your exact location if you need to call 9-1-1.
- If a dispute arises during the buying or selling of goods or services, remember to exercise your right to terminate the transaction.
- Trust your instincts. If someone is making you feel uncomfortable or the situation doesn’t seem right, leave!
Additional information on making internet purchases safer can be found at www.naperville.il.us/asafernaper.
Until next month… Stay Aware & Stay Safe.
