Protecting Yourself While Selling Online

Deputy Sheriff Gordon Neuenfeldt from Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office tells us that in light of a recent armed robbery at a South Jeffco home involving items for sale on Craigslist.com, it’s good to review  some important safety practices. Here are a few rules of thumb when considering selling things online:

~ Location: Always meet in a public place, not at your residence. If this isn’t feasible, have another person there with you. 

~ Timing: Set up appointments during business hours, especially if selling an item that requires a title transfer or the exchange of a large sum of money.

~ Let someone know where you’re going: Tell a friend or family member where you’re going, what you’re meeting about and when you expect to return. Better yet, bring someone along with you!

~ Phone: Always have your cell phone close by and fully charged!

~ Money: Never travel with large amounts of cash. Conduct transactions at a financial institution where funds can be verified and quickly deposited. Never send or accept a wire transfer of funds. Read all disclaimers provided by www.craigslist.com.

~ Transfer of Merchandise: Do not sign over titles or hand over property until payment has been received and verified. Research your potential purchase ahead of time, to spot possible counterfeit merchandise. 

And most importantly, BE CAREFUL!  Trust your instincts – if anything seems suspicious, leave!

^{Source: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in Crime & Safety}

^{Note: Data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Denver West Insurance Brokers makes no representations as to accuracy, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.}