Clay County Sheriff’s Office offering police stations as “safe trade zones” for ecommerce

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — Clay County Sheriff’s Office is offering “safe trade zones” for individuals wishing to conduct transactions with strangers.

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With the growing market for ecommerce networks such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace, the risk of something bad happening when two strangers meet has grown with it. That is why CCSO is providing police-supervised locations for community members wishing to trade goods with people they don’t know.

CCSO is offering the following safe locations:

• 901 N. Orange Ave., Green Cove Springs, FL

• 3799 Irvin Ct. Middleburg, FL

• 212 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, FL

Although these locations help cut down on criminal activity, CCSO said it’s still important to take precautions to ensure personal safety.

Here are some tips provided by the sheriff’s office on how to protect yourself:

• Choose a well-lit and populated area: A public place with lots of people around will deter potential thieves or scammers.
• Bring a friend or family member: Having someone with you can provide an extra layer of security and make you feel more comfortable during the transaction.
• Avoid meeting at your home or the other person’s home: It’s always best to meet in a public place rather than at someone’s residence.
• Consider using a third-party platform: Online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace offer transaction protection services and can help ensure a safer exchange.
• Remember always to trust your instincts and be cautious when conducting in-person transactions.

For more information, visit Clay County Sheriff’s Facebook page.

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