Stay safe when buying or selling on social media in Kansas City with these tips
It’s smart for anyone to take caution while using public marketplaces online, especially following a couple of recent armed robbery incidents resulting from Facebook Marketplace sales in Lenexa. No one wants to get hurt while looking for the perfect gift or finding a great deal.
Here are some tips for staying safe while shopping on social media in the Kansas City area, especially as the holiday season approaches.
Find a public place you can meet someone at to ensure the transaction is safe, sound and smooth.
The Lenexa Police Department on Facebook posted after the incidents that it strongly recommends meeting up at a police station to complete online transactions. At the department, the front circle drive, the front entrance and the lobby are options.
The same is true for other police stations in the area, such as the Kansas City Police Department. There are safe exchange markers at each of its six locations with the goal to promote safe spaces when picking up items bought online.
Some stations offer 24/7 watch at these safe exchange markers, like the Independence Police Department headquarters. Overland Park Police Department set up an exchange zone at the Sanders Justice Center, which has officers regularly in the area. It also has a camera dedicated to monitoring activity in the zone.
“If a person is unwilling to meet you at the police department to conduct a transaction, that should make you highly suspicious of their intentions,” Raytown police previously told The Star when announcing their safe exchange area.
As an alternative to a police station, stores that have plenty of lights and cameras spread out in the parking lot are also great places to make safe purchases. Coffee shops, restaurants or other high population areas are also recommended.
Other tips
In addition to meeting somewhere public and safe, last year, the Kansas City Missouri Police Department put out these recommendations for people shopping on social media.
Always try to bring an extra person when buying or selling something to someone you met online.
Communicate with the buyer or seller on the app you’re using, instead of sharing your personal cell phone number or other contact details.
Look into the person you’re buying from or selling to on the app. If their profile has little to no information on that, it could be a red flag. If you can view past transaction history at all, or see that they’ve been using the app for a while, those are good signs.
Carrying cash can be risky. If possible, try to pay through an app like Venmo or PayPal to secure your payment.
Have more tips for shopping safely on social media or another question you want reporters to look into? Reach out to kcq@kansascity.com.