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Dallas police share tips for online sale meetups

"Don’t let your guard down just because you’ve exchanged a few messages," officials say.

DALLAS — The Dallas Police Department has released a list of tips on its website for safe online sale meetups.

A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed last week while waiting to sell earbuds.

RELATED: Search to identify young suspect in shooting death of 15-year-old boy

"Always remember, you are meeting a stranger and an online profile can be deceptive," the post on DPD Beat reads. "Don’t let your guard down just because you’ve exchanged a few messages."

RELATED: Dallas police introduce 'exchange zones' for safer online transactions

Police officials say these tips are good rules to follow if you're ever meeting up to sell something to someone you met online:

  • When meeting in surrounding cities that may be unfamiliar to you, always research a safe meeting location and familiarize yourself with the area
  • Always meet in a well-lit, public place; preferably a safe zone
  • Never go alone
  • Always meet during the day
  • If it’s a high-priced item, meet in the lobby of a police station
  • Keep your cell phone close and be ready to call 911 at the first sign of trouble
  • Never give out personal or financial information
  • Avoid using money wiring services for these transactions. It is the method of choice for scammers
  • Never buy something without seeing it first
  • Let someone know where you’ll be and who you are meeting
  • Leave if you feel uncomfortable
  • If you are selling a large item that is not easily transportable, move the item into the garage or entryway, if possible. That way buyers don’t have to come all the way into your home
  • Some police departments and retail locations now offer “Safe Meeting Places," "Safe Trade Stations” or “Safe Zones." Those Dallas locations can be found here.

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