In Pembroke, Ontario, new parking spots with a handshake symbol have been introduced. These are located outside the Pembroke OPP station at 77 International Dr. and serve as community safety zones for online transactions.

Ensuring Safety for Online Purchases

The Upper Ottawa Valley OPP encourages using these designated areas when meeting someone in person to pay for or pick up items bought online. According to an OPP news release, “Project Safe Trade aims to establish a ‘community safety zone’ at an OPP detachment parking lot to facilitate online property transactions.” This initiative moves transactions from private locations to public spaces to ensure safety.

These secure trading locations are open 24/7, with no need for appointments. As the holiday season approaches, the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP is launching Project Safe Trade to reduce offenses related to online marketplace transactions.

Steph Neufeld, commander of the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP detachment, stated, “Project Safe Trade and other collaborative methods can lessen victimization and harm in our communities.”

Preventing Fraud and Ensuring Safe Transactions

Const. Mike Mahon told CTV News that these areas help prevent potential fraud. He advised caution if a seller is hesitant to meet at these safe spots, saying, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

Although police will not act as witnesses or mediators, they will intervene if a transaction becomes criminal.

Additional Safety Tips for Online Transactions

If you choose not to use the designated spots, here are other ways to stay safe:

• Meet in a busy public space
• Bring a trusted friend or family member as a witness
• Conduct transactions during daylight hours
• Keep all communication records between yourself and the buyer/seller

Technology analyst Carmi Levy emphasizes the importance of due diligence during the holiday season. He advises, “Do your due diligence on the person that claims to be selling it. Look into their background, see what other things they’ve sold, look for information on how other buyers have dealt with them in the past.”

Levy also suggests insisting on seeing the actual device before payment. “Insist that they power it on and make sure it works before you pay for it.”

Pembroke’s new community safety zones are a proactive measure to ensure safer online transactions. By following these guidelines, you can protect yourself from potential fraud and enjoy a secure buying experience.