A sign outside the police station designates the safe internet transaction zone.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
A number of police stations across the province have made provision for safe transactions when strangers are meeting to complete a transaction made online.
Medicine Hat Police Service actually initiated the service locally in 2017 and reminds the community that it is a great idea, particularly during the pandemic when a lot of buying and selling is taking place online.
Rather than give a stranger your home address or arrange to meet in an isolated parking lot, you can do so at the Medicine Hat police station in the internet transaction zone.
It is located in a designated area in front of the station at 884 Second Street SE. There are two signs posted to clearly identify the spots available.
This area can be used by “individuals conducting legal purchases and sales, or for any other type of legitimate exchange, including child custody exchanges by parents,” says a statement from MHPS. “The area is well lit at night and is under continuous video surveillance, which is recorded but not live monitored.”
In general there is no police intervention and police do not mediate in private transactions, documentations or to witness a transaction. If however, someone requests an officer to respond, this will take place.
MHPS assumes no liability for those using this zone and officers will only intervene if the transaction becomes a criminal matter.
The purpose of creating the internet transaction zone was to reduce risk to those involved in buying or selling by having the meeting in a public place.
MHPS provides the following safety tips:
– Do not provide personal or financial information;
– When possible communicate via email so that there is a record;
– Be particularly cautions if you are dealing in buying or selling something with a high monetary value;
– Do not invite strangers into your home and do not go to theirs;
– Meet during daylight hours;
– Never agree to meet someone you do not know in a location you are not familiar with;
– Never go alone;
– Take you cell phone and tell friends where you are going and the purpose;
– Do not carry a large quantity of cash.
