Craigslist and E-Commerce Transactions Just Got A Little Safer

How many times a week do we hear of stories where innocent people are victimized by scams from places like Craigslist, OfferUp and other e-commerce sites?  

"If you plan on buying or selling items via Craigslist or any other online site, we want to offer some assurance of the safety of the individuals and suggests that our "Safe Zone" be used to protect both the buyer and seller," said Sheriff Carter.

Effective July 1st, 2015, the Lee County Sheriff's Office will begin to offer a "Safe Zone" transaction area for the citizens of Lee County!  This program is part of our Community Policing Unit (CPU).

Interested individuals will be asked to contact the CPU to set a time/date, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8am-4pm when they plan to meet the seller or buyer.  Parties will meet in the lobby of the Sheriff's Office along with a member of the CP unit and if so desired, serial numbers can be queried to check the validity of the item(s).

"My attempt is to be proactive and to deter the criminal element during these e-commerce transactions and to protect our citizens from senseless scams or injury.", said Sheriff Carter.

To arrange an appointment, please contact the CPU at 919-718-4561, ext. 5607 or 5629.

For more information, visit these sites!

• https://www.craigslist.org/about/safety
• http://www.staysafeonline.org/
• http://www.onguardonline.gov/
• http://getsafeonline.org
• http://wiredsafety.org