Residents can ‘ Swap safely’ with county’s new Internet purchase Exchange location

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Residents can ‘ Swap safely’ with county’s new Internet purchase Exchange location

Designated spot for buyers, sellers at 911 dispatch center

news@theeveningtimes.com

[ Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in the July 20, 2016 edition of the Times]

With the rise in popularity of online auction and ad web sites like Craigslist, area law enforcement is encouraging residents who buy things online to take advantage of a new safe spot at the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office to transact their business.

Sheriff Mike Allen has designated the parking lot at the county’s 911 Dispatch Center as an Internet Purchase Exchange Location.

Residents who buy things online can use the area to safely meet the seller and exchange goods and money without the fear of being victimized by a scammer or criminal.

“Right now if you buy something online or at one of these swap shops, they usually meet in a Walmart parking lot or Walgreens or whatever,” Allen said.

“That’s not really a safe environment. You don’t really know who you are meeting. This way, you can tell them to meet you at the Sheriff’s office. And if they are legitimate it will reduce the risk of anything going wrong.”

Allen said a lot of people buy things online today.

Unfortunately, there are also a lot of scams and criminals out there as well who use Craigslist and Facebook yard sales to rob people.

This safe spot will provide buyers and sellers with some security.

The parking lot at the 911 Dispatch Center is in a public location, has cameras, and is monitored 24 hours a day.

Allen advises against ever meeting strangers at a private residence or areas they are unfamiliar with.

“It is a neutral, safe meeting ground and will cut down on the chance of something going wrong,” Allen said. “And if somebody who is selling something is legitimate, they’re probably not going to mind wanting to meet you here.” Allen said Internet Purchase Exchange Locations are becoming more and more common at law enforcement agencies around the country.

“I actually got a private message on Facebook from a citizen asking us to do this,” Allen said. “I thought it was a pretty good idea.

And the good thing about this location is it is inbetween Marion and West Memphis.” The Internet Purchase Exchange Location is marked with special red parking spaces and a sign and is located at the 911 Dispatch Center at 350 Afco Road.

By Mark Randall