Michael J. d’Entremont
Chief of Police
600 High St.
Dedham, MA 02026
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Dedham Police Urge Residents to Use Caution When Conducting Online Transactions
DEDHAM — Chief Michael d’Entremont and the Dedham Police Department are reminding residents of the dangers of buying and selling online after a man was robbed and stabbed while conducting a transaction yesterday.
On Tuesday, April 11, Dedham Police responded to the East Dedham Plaza parking area and discovered two victims, a 20-year-old male who was suffering from what appeared to be non-life threatening stab wounds, and a 19-year-old male who was suffering from what appeared to be non-life threatening abrasions.
The victims told police that they were meeting an individual they met through a mobile classified app to facilitate the sale of an item. The suspect then allegedly robbed and attacked the men before fleeing.
Dedham Police are urging residents to consider these vital safety tips to ensure they remain safe when engaging in online transactions:
- If you’re selling, don’t photograph the item with your house easily identifiable in the photo, especially if you’re selling high-value items. Additionally, do not list your address in the post.
- Never meet someone alone – bring a friend with you.
- Tell a friend or family member where you are going.
- Take your cell phone with you.
- Always arrange to meet in a well-lit public place.
- Avoid having strangers come to your house or going to a stranger’s house.
- Be suspicious if the buyer/seller refuses to meet at a public place or changes the agreed upon meeting place.Avoid becoming a victim by not accepting potentially bad personal checks, money orders or carrying large sums of money. Cashier’s checks or digital services like PayPal are suitable alternatives, especially for expensive items.
- Trust your instincts – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
“Our number one priority is always the safety of our residents, and we want to make sure that they are being smart and protecting themselves when buying and selling online,” Chief d’Entremont said. “Please always be cautious when conducting online transactions and never hesitate to call police if you are concerned for your safety or are suspicious of an individual you’ve met online.”
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