Hi there! Melody Young here, with a few tips for your safety. I wanted to first share a little information on what should be common sense when posting items for sale. Common sense yes, but I hadnt thought about it when specifically considered posting items in the new apps that are out there. Because of their increased functionality, ease and popularity I can see users getting targeted. I figure if I can THINK of this -there is already a bad guy out there DOING this. If you are like me you may now own a phone, pad, or computer that does MUCH more than you ever imagined. Some of you may know every little trick, click or function available and cant wait until they catch up and update the thing to keep up with your needs. While some others may longing for the days of a phone that is JUST a phone! LOL Im some where in the middle. Recently I downloaded and LOVE a new App (I wont mention the name as I dont want to appear to be endorsing it) that actually works great. It was free, I just take a picture of something that I want to sell, name my price and it posts, and reposts it in a circulation, to others using the app. It keeps all my items for sale in a little area, like a store, that others can see from their apps. Others can choose to follow you to see if you post anything else good and also get a general location of where the items are located. Owning a security company I checked for the obvious, it doesnt give my exact location, has a drivers license authentication process to validate (users that opt to be validated) that users ARE who they say AND a rating system, so you can get some sense of whom you might be dealing with based off the experiences of others. However, after telling all my friends and family how great this app is it occurred to me that some folks are all too trusting and that this could be very easy for a robber to stalk your stock! Perhaps by purchasing an inexpensive item and coming back when he can find something of a higher value. Or getting info about your schedule and when you would be gone. I checked with my Regional Security, LLLP department heads, several web sites and Craigslist and here are the top three tips I have compiled to reduce risk when placing an add, whether it be in the paper, craigslist or in one of the MANY apps out there (the first one blew me away): 1) When you take the photo of your item - (or when posting to social media) make sure your GPS locator functions are turned off. Many products have this little feature all set up and working. Which is kinda neat when taking a road trip because every time you take a digital photo - where the photo was taken can be digitally imprinted to that photo. However, if its there - it can be read by someone you may not want this information to go to. You may be unknowingly transmitting your location data to a bad guy. 2) Whenever possible - DO NOT sell the item from your home! If you have a very expensive item, jewelry, furs, tools, etc consider a consignment shop. If YOU advertise and sell it from their shop they usually dont charge you much/anything. ALWAYS meet the buyers somewhere in public and dont go alone. If you have a very large item you cant just pop in your car and go to meet them with, then FIRST meet them somewhere safe (take the neighbor with you) and get a sense of their intent. Then if you decide to sell, have it outside or in your garage for pick up. Not in your home where you are giving them a tour of the interior. NOTE: If they seem a little off trust your instincts and just decline the sale or dismiss yourself for a family emergency. THEN REPORT THIS TO THE POLICE. 3) Understand that what may seem like legitimate questions or chit chat about your schedule, family, where they could meet you somewhere close to you, etc - may be a way for them to gather information about when & where you work or live, what kind of car you drive (they can get your home address from your license plate) so that they can come visit you home when you are not there and take what they want. I always pick a coffee shop (as its sure to be busy here in Seattle) about 10 minutes from my home. I also try to make this rendezvous when out running errands so I wont be followed home. I certainly do not want to discourage the use of the internet, newspaper or apps for buying and selling (Id love you all to buy MY stuff! ). I think that 90% of the people out there have good intentions. I will continue to post, sell and purchase - but I learned a little I today and thought it may make the process a bit safer for all of you just by being aware of the potential problems. If this is not specific to you -but someone you care about please feel free to share it. Couple other things - this time of year cars get ransacked. So, just a little reminder to empty your vehicles of clutter and especially items of value. Also: With the days getting shorter, and darker, if you dont have some already, install timers or motion sensor lighting so you dont come home to a dark house. And finally: If you are not one for welcoming Trick-or-Treaters - turn your porch light OFF as the GOOD kids in your neighborhood have been told by their great parents that this means you are opting out or have run out of candy. Thanks everyone for liking our page. Please let us know how we can serve you better! Take care, be safe & Happy Halloween! Melody Young President Regional Motorcade, LLLP
Posted on: Tue, 22 Oct 2013 21:33:59 +0000