Halton police offer buy/sell exchange zone in Oakville

Content Originally Published on:

September 5, 2023 at 3:56 pm

If you are concerned about buying or selling from someone through an online marketplace, Halton Regional has a place where you can meet up.

The buy & sell exchange zone was created to provide peace of mind when you are involved in a transaction with someone you have made a deal with through the internet.

The exchange zone is located in the visitor parking lot of the 20 Division police station at 95 Oak Walk Dr. in Oakville.

“The purpose of the buy & sell exchange zone is to provide some additional peace of mind to those who are buying, selling, or trading property online,” according to Halton police.  “If you are meeting new people while finalizing online transactions, we encourage you to use our exchange zone.”

The exchange zone was created next to the police station following an increase in robberies, frauds and thefts during these encounters.

Halton police also offer these tips to protect yourself during a buy-and-sell transition:

• Complete your transaction during daytime hours only.
• Use the buddy system when possible. Bring a family or friend with you, or at the very least, let someone know who you will be meeting, the time, and the location of the exchange.
• To reduce the potential of falling victim to fraud, never complete a buy-and-sell transaction by mail.
• When meeting in person, always inspect the goods you wish to purchase before giving money to the seller.
• Limit the amount of personal information you provide.
• Stop. Pause. Think. If something seems too good to be true, it likely is.

Police say if you cannot meet at the buy & sell exchange zone, consider completing your transactions in well-lit, public and popular locations.