TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — College students are back in town. One of the best ways to save a couple bucks is buying or selling used textbooks or computers using online marketplaces.
Tallahassee Police have a couple of tips before making that face-to-face transaction.
Never invite strangers into your home and don’t go into theirs.
Do not meet the buyer or seller alone. Always insists on meeting in a public area.
“Make these transactions in public places during daylight hours,” said Kevin Bradshaw, the public information officer for the Tallahassee Police Department. “Keep in mind with this pandemic some of the places that may normally be full of people may not be. Obviously be careful anytime you’re using cash, if the seller insists on cash, especially if it’s a high-value item use caution.”
More than anything, Bradshaw says to always trust your gut instincts.
“If something is going on and you start to feel some apprehension or nervousness about the situation then listen to it,” said Bradshaw. “Just abandon the sale and leave. Either reschedule for later or just walk away from it. “
If do have to make a transaction alone, Bradshaw says to set the meeting place outside of TPD headquarters on 7th street.
