12/11/2025
How to Safely Buy, Sell, or Respond to An Ad Online
The increase in popularity and ease of using your digital devices to purchase and sell items online is raising security concerns from law enforcement officials.
While there are several ways to buy and sell items through social media sites like Facebook Marketplace, Next-door, OfferUp, and eBay, including locally based online sites created, safety must be your priority.
There are easier ways for all buyers, sellers and even prospective job-seeking applicants to complete face-to-face meetings while staying safe. When purchasing, selling, or reacting to advertising online, please follow safety measures.
• Choose an open public business location to meet, like a grocery store, convenience store parking lot, or even a police substation.
• Criminals do not like an audience, so your chances of having a problem with someone in person are greatly diminished if you meet in a public place.
• Do not list a phone number or address in your listing or on your profile
• Set a specific time and place to make the meeting/exchange. Arrive early!
• If the object is particularly large, consider using a consignment shop to show it or have the item outside of your home.
• Use Common Sense: Do not let people in your home during the meeting/exchange
• Take your cell phone with you
• Don't go alone and have a friend accompany you, or tell a friend or family member where you're going
• Don’t give out personal information (SS number, home address, date of birth) when meeting for a job, and always verify the business first.
• Trust your instincts
• Do Not meet in a secluded place
• Do Not invite strangers into your home. Do not go visit a stranger at their home
• Be especially careful when buying/selling high-value items
• Use common sense when dealing with people and if something doesn't seem right, walk away
• Only accept cash or verified accounts like PayPal when selling your item. This helps you to avoid fraudulent payments with a fake money order, bank, or cashier’s check.
• To be extra safe when dealing with cash, carry a counterfeit money detector pen with you and check every bill. Counterfeiters create money in all denominations, so make sure you protect yourself against fraud.
• Bring exact change when making a purchase and ask that your buyers do the same. Leave your wallet/purse in your locked vehicle and only take the amount of cash you need. This will ensure that they will not view how much money you have on hand
• If you are selling an item, immediately place the money in your pocket until you leave the area. You don't want to get distracted while finishing the transaction.
The main point to remember when contacting anyone you do not know, whether online or face-to-face, is to practice safety measures before, during and after the meeting or transaction.
Please be aware of these crime prevention tips and take steps to ensure your home and vehicle are safe by using common sense best practices. If you see any suspicious activity, be a good witness and call 3-1-1 for a Non-Emergency and 9-1-1 if there is a Life-Threatening Emergency. You can remain anonymous by calling CRIME STOPPERS OF NEVADA @ 702-385-5555 or Report Online at https://crimestoppersofnv.com/report-a-crime
“Don't compromise yourself—you're all you have.”
~ John Grisham
