Selling or buying online can be a headache.
But those transactions come with some risks.
For buyers, maybe the product is not as described.
For sellers, buyers want to pay a different price than what was agreed upon.
For either side, safety can become a concern.
"We had one particular incident that happened a few months back, where someone was injured during an attempted robbery during an internet purchase exchange, so a concerned citizen approached the chief and said that it would be a good idea to have a designated area at the police department," says Elkhart Police Public Information Officer Jessica McBrier.
Elkhart Police now have a specific spot in their parking lot that's under surveillance 24-7.
The Better Business Bureau says being vigilant is key, as you never know when things might take a turn for the worse.
"You're just buying something on marketplace, a quick transaction, everybody's safe and goes home," says Nichole Thomas, Communication Director for Better Business Bureau. "But, unfortunately, there have been stories of people where that isn't what happens and there's some element of crime whether they get robbed or they're hurt."
Thomas has also seen several situations where the deal in question is suspect, and wants to remind everyone that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
"If you see a truck that's selling for $31,000 everywhere else and you see it for $4,500 on marketplace, that should be a lightbulb to say 'hmm, what's going on, why is it so cheap here?'", says Thomas.
Most importantly, if you're feeling unsure or uneasy about anything, you don't have to go through with the deal.
"If something seems fishy or seems off, don't go through with the exchange," says McBrier.
"Don't have people come and meet you at your house to either buy or sell. Make sure before you give money to the person that you have seen the actual item that you are purchasing."
In addition to the designated area in the parking lot, Elkhart police say their lobby is also open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the week.
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