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OPP online zones make selling safer

One will open in Mattawa in a few months
online-classifieds
Online selling is replacing traditional newspaper classifieds.

We've all heard stories about people being robbed or assaulted after meeting someone that is buying or selling online.

To combat that danger OPP has launched an online 'buy and sell exchange zone' at the Bracebridge OPP detachment in an effort to make online transactions safer for buyers and sellers.

It's one of two official launches of the new program. The other took place at the OPP Tecumseh detachment.

North Bay does not have the service.

Constable Shona Camirand tells BayToday that since the detachment is in the city, it would be up to North Bay police to set up a site.

However, she says one will open in Mattawa in a few months as the detachment property is well lit, open and near the highway.

Powassan was considered but discarded as the detachment is isolated and not well lit.

The purpose of Project Safe Trade is to create a "community safe zone" at an OPP detachment parking lot, or other "safe" location to create a site to aid online property transactions. Creating a "community safe zone" is about moving online transactions away from secluded parking lots, personal residences or other areas and bringing them to a public place.

Statistics show that only five per cent of the internet or telephone scams/frauds/thefts are reported. Many incidents go unreported due to shame or embarrassment on the part of the victim.

Online transaction safety tips:

  • Meet in a busy public place
  • Bring a trusted friend or family member along as a witness
  • Keep transactions to daylight hours
  • Do not erase emails, texts or voicemails between yourself and the seller/buyer

Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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