Looking for a safe place to pick up online purchases? Boise police offer a solution
Online marketplaces for second-hand items have become increasingly popular in recent years, with websites like eBay garnering competition from the likes of Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark.
But a significant caveat of shopping on online marketplaces, especially if buying locally, is the need for a meet-up between the buyer and seller to exchange money and goods.
It’s a part of the online shopping experience that puts many people off the concept: Going to a random person’s house can be a daunting and frightening prospect.
The Boise Police Department is offering a way to ease those fears. The department has announced a new internet purchase exchange location at City Hall West.
The exchange location is in front of the Boise Police Department offices at 333 N. Mark Stall Place.
“Exchanging items at your home comes with risks that we don’t want you to have to take,” Ed Fritze, Boise police crime prevention supervisor, said in a news release Wednesday. “This area in the front parking lot of our department is a better option, and we hope the community will use it.”
The meet-up point is at the northeast section of the City Hall West parking lot and is visible from the police department. It’s also within viewing range of the parking lot’s entrance, Boise police spokesperson Haley Williams told the Idaho Statesman, meaning police cars coming and going will be able to keep an eye on any exchanges.
“Our patrol officers work 24/7 and are based out of City Hall West. The number of officers in the building depends on the time of day and the call load,” Williams said. “There are more officers around during the day than overnight. It’s not recommend that anyone do their online business exchange at any location overnight.”
The Meridian Police Department offers a similar exchange location at the department’s parking lot at 1401 E. Watertower St. The Nampa Police Department also has an e-commerce exchange location at its station at 820 2nd St. S.
Crime prevention tips for online selling
The Boise Police Department has a list of tips to help make buying and selling online safer:
Verify the value of an item before meeting up. If the negotiations are not finalized or are not progressing, leave immediately.
Always insist on meeting in a busy location during daylight hours.
Avoid meeting in a secluded area or inviting a stranger into your home.
Be extra cautious when buying or selling an item of high value.
Only bring the amount of money you need to purchase the item, or pick up the item and deliver the money at a later time.
Always tell someone where you’ll be meeting for the exchange or bring someone with you.
Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, avoid the buyer or seller.
Don’t forget to bring a phone so you can call for help.
This story was originally published June 9, 2022 at 2:17 PM.
