Selma Police Offer Online Purchase Safety Tips

Selma Police are offering a few safety tips before Christmas regarding internet sales and meeting individuals to complete those online sales.

Police Chief R.A. Cooper said in the past, individuals who thought they found a great deal on a website such as CraigsList or OfferUp, meet the seller, however the citizen was robbed or defrauded.

Police said there are some important things to remember when making a purchase from a stranger over the internet where you have to meet in person to exchange money and pick up the item.

  • Never meet in a isolated area or dimly lit area.
  • If the offer seems too good to be true it probably is; be alert to a possible scam.
  • Meet during the daytime in a well populated area like a shopping center or restaurant.
  • When possible, meet at a public building or police station parking lot
  • Be alert of your surroundings when you arrive to meet the seller.
  • Do not agree to meet the seller alone.
  • Call 911 if you have any concerns or if you feel you have been the victim of a fraud.

Anyone with information regarding fraudulent internet sales activity or robbery motivated sales is asked to contact Selma Police at 919-965-8189.