Buying And Selling Items Online

If you are buying or selling items through an online marketplace, it is important to ensure a safe and secure transaction.

To enhance public safety and reduce crime, the Calgary Police Service (CPS) encourages members of the public to use CPS district office parking lots for in-person exchanges of items bought or sold online. These locations offer law enforcement presence or video surveillance, helping to deter criminal activity.

Note: Police cannot assist with civil transactions, but can help with bylaw, provincial or criminal matters.

For a safer internet buying and selling experience, follow these tips:

• Meet in a public place, such as a Calgary Police Service district office.
• If possible, bring a friend or a family member.
• Meet in person to thoroughly inspect the product before exchanging money.
• Keep things local and in cash.  Do not use cheques or money wiring services.
• Do not give out personal or banking information like your social insurance number, bank account number or address.
• Inform the buy/sell site of any attempted fraud or suspicious emails, ads, or other activity.
• In the case of suspected fraud, file a police report.
• Use common sense. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Online marketplaces are sometimes used to sell stolen goods. Use the Canadian Police Information Centre’s (CPIC’s) online database to search item serial numbers and ensure it has not been reported stolen.