Life is everchanging. It seems to become more chaotic the older we get and the more industrialized we as a society become. So, going into stores or malls isn\u2019t as feasible as it once was. Consequently, online shopping has become more common, and in many cases, is the new normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although online shopping is much more convenient, there are some downsides including the possibility of not getting exactly what you thought you were buying. Additionally, more intense downsides exist, such as safety concerns. To combat some of these concerns and ensure safety, Pembroke, Ontario, a small city in Canada, is using a handshake symbol as a new solution to ensure safety. Their idea, while unconventional, could prove to ensure the safety of thousands of shoppers. If proven successful, Pembroke may transform the way people undertake online shopping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Handshake Symbols Represent Safety
A handshake symbol is showing up in parking spaces all over the city. Pembroke\u2019s police department, Pembroke OPP, gave a statement regarding the new handshake symbol parking spots. \u201cThe purpose of Project Safe Trade is to create a \u2018community safety zone\u2019 at an OPP detachment parking lot to facilitate online property transactions,\u201d the OPP said in the news release. \u201cCreating a \u2018community safety zone\u2019 is about moving online transactions away from secluded parking lots, personal residences or other areas and bringing them to a public place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parameters of the Project
Amazingly, the handshake symbol spots, called \u201csafe trade spots,\u201d will be available 24 hours a day and will not require appointments. The way these spots work is simple. If you\u2019ve purchased something online but have to pick it up, or pay, in person, the handshake symbol spots become a neutral meeting point. It\u2019s important to note these spots will not be monitored 24 hours a day. This means there will be no police intervention, such as mediation or witnessing a transaction. In contrast, they will have available officers on the scene if a call or complaint is made to the city regarding a criminal matter. The area will be well-lit and conveniently located just off the highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Holiday Shopping
With the holidays upon us, things become even more hectic, and people often stop looking into all the transaction details. The handshake symbol spots have been developed in tandem with the holidays. Steph Neufeld, the safety unit\u2019s captain, says, \u201cThe local launch of Project Safe Trade comes at an ideal time with the busy holiday season upon us. Online property transactions are ever-increasing and the UOV OPP is proud to be launching a community safety initiative aimed at decreasing offences related to online marketplace transactions,\u201d He continues in the statement, \u201cCollaborative approaches like Project Safe Trade can help to reduce harm and victimization in our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Going Beyond the Handshake Symbol
The handshake symbol parking lots are a great start, but there is more the city has incorporated into the project. In particular, one Canadian resident and professional. Carmi Levy, a technology analyst, offers helpful hints. While seemingly obvious, they can be forgotten during an overwhelming time like the holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Levy said, \u201cDo your due diligence on the person that claims to be selling it. Look into their background, see what other things they\u2019ve sold, look for information on how other buyers have dealt with them in the past.\u201d Also suggesting people, \u201cInsist on seeing the actual device that you\u2019re buying before you hand over any money. Insist that they power it on. Insist that you make sure it works before you pay for it.\u201d This is a great way to avoid being scammed and wasting your hard-earned money on something that just isn\u2019t worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other Safety Suggestions
Other recommendations include going with someone you know and trust when engaging in online transactions. Save all interactions between buyer and seller, this includes voicemails, emails, or text messages. Additionally, shopping apps like \u2018OfferUp\u2019 and \u2018LetGo\u2019 tell you they won\u2019t reach out for personal information. They suggest you use caution when doling out personal information with limited or only necessary information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, they suggest that you have those conversations strictly in the app. This ensures the conversation is logged in a secure environment so you can avoid giving your personal information to a stranger. For Canadian residents, specific to the Pembroke area, seeking handshake symbol parking lots can keep citizens safe this holiday season. Moreover, they can help bring higher levels of safety in years to come.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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