Law enforcement urge shopper safety when meeting online vendors

JACKSON, Tenn — Law enforcement officials are urging shoppers to be careful this holiday season, especially when meeting people to purchase items found online. Many people are turning to internet sites to buy and sell items. The Jackson Police Department wants community members to be cautious if they plan on joining the trend.

Lt. Jeff Shepard with the Criminal Investigations Division said,” as businesses start making their money at black Friday that’s reflected in the criminal numbers as well.”

He said if you are going to meet an online vendor, you should be in control of where the meet up happens, like a public parking lot or well-lit area.

“You don’t know what you’re going to do until you get there, but one idea is take a picture of the person that you’re dealing with.” Shepard explained.

If you drive to a location and are feeling uncomfortable remember you can always stay in your car and drive somewhere you feel is safe.

“Another place if you’re a little scared about it would be the police station the lobby is open during normal business hours,” said Lt. Shepard.

Keep in mind that using a public place gives you a chance to be near security cameras in the area. Lt. Shepard said some people are becoming victims to online shopping gone bad.

“We arrested somebody yesterday that had met someone through Facebook. They met in their driveway and the guy wanted to look at his phone he handed him the phone, guy just put it in reverse and drove off,” said Shepard.

Shepard said if you do not want to be a victim, stay alert, and meet where there will be plenty of witnesses. The Jackson Police Department has a north precinct on Old Humboldt Road that can be used to make a transaction.

Also, the Madison County Sheriff’s Department encourages community members to use parking spots outside their building in order to insure safety between both parties. Their office is located at 546 East College Street near downtown Jackson.