Birmingham Creates Internet Purchase Exchange Location

BIRMINGHAM, MI — The Birmingham Police Department has created an internet purchase exchange location for buyers and sellers utilizing websites like Craigslist to buy and sell items. Officers encourage community members to make internet exchanges in the parking lot on the south side of City Hall, located at 151 Martin Street.

Residents are encouraged to make exchanges during daytime hours, however the lot is well-lit if meeting after dark is necessary. The lot is under video surveillance at all times. While this area may not work for every online sales transaction because of the size of the item(s) being exchanged, it is open to the general public and encouraged for use when possible.

The idea of the Internet Purchase Exchange Location is to cut down on potential fraud and robberies that can be associated with these types of transactions. The area is intended for completing exchanges; police personnel will not participate or act as official witnesses in the transactions nor are they available for legal advice or pricing disputes between parties involved in transactions occurring at this location.

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when conducting internet exchange transactions:
· Only engage in transactions with local buyers/sellers.
· Do not go to a purchase exchange alone.
· Make sure a friend or family member is aware of the transaction details.
· Insist on meeting in a public area like the safe transaction zone.
· Do not go into someone else’s house, and do not allow them into yours.
· Attempt to complete the transaction during daylight hours.
· Be extra cautious when buying or selling valuable items such as vehicles and jewelry.
· Only use cash or money orders to complete transactions.
· Trust your instincts, if it sounds like a scam it probably is.
· If someone is not willing to come to the Police Department to complete a transaction it is probably not a legitimate transaction.

For more information, contact the Birmingham Police Department at 248-530-1870.

Photo courtesy of the city of Birmingham