A safe exchange zone for online purchases has been set up in the parking lot of city police headquarters.
David Woolley, Corporate Communications Officer with the North Bay Police Service, says the safe zone will allow people who buy and sell items online a safe and secure location to do so.
The Safe Exchange Zone is located in the parking lot of 135 Princess St W, North Bay.
Woolley says instead of travelling to a seller’s residence, buyers can now meet with the seller in an open, public place that is monitored by security cameras and with police personnel on-site.
He says this will help ensure the safety of everyone involved and can also help to prevent potential scammers.
The North Bay Police Service has, in the past, received reports about false addresses being provided after the victim pays for an item online.
They say when the victim attends the address, they realize that the scammer does not live there and there is no item available for pick-up.
This type of incident can now be avoided by buyers and sellers agreeing to exchange goods and payment at the North Bay Police Service Safe Exchange Zone.
