Any of us that have dealt with Craigslist have probably felt a bit uneasy about the experience at the beginning.

Craigslist, and other sites like it, allow you to post items you would like to sell – a couch, a truck, a washing machine, whatever it may be – or post objects that you are looking to buy.

You can save some money on certain items, but the drawback is you are dealing with strangers and there is no accountability that exists with in-store purchases.

Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood says concerned calls over these deals come in frequently in reference to horrifying stories from around the country regarding Craigslist postings being used as bait for criminal activity.

“People in turn calls us and say, ‘I’m looking to buy something on Craigslist, but I saw where these people were killed,’” the sheriff says. “We try to explain to them that that’s an older case but, certainly, you want to be cautious and pick the location that you want to have this to take place in.”

If you are feeling a bit cautious about meeting the other party for a Craigslist deal, now you can meet up at the Sheriff’s Office.

“It’s a better and safer way to conduct online business transactions with Craigslist and similar purchases that are made via the Internet,” Blackwood says.

Blackwood says the Transaction Safe Zone has been established to increase the sense of security for the buyer and seller after striking a deal.

“It was a no-brainer for us to try to create a situation where the buyer and/or the seller have that level of confidence that they have a safe place, that is in public, [and] that potentially could ward off anyone who had any ill will to begin with,” he says.

At the request of either party, the Sheriff’s Office is also offering to check the serial number of the item being bought or sold to ensure that it is not stolen merchandise.

You can use the parking lot of the Sheriff’s Office in Hillsborough as a meeting point without notifying law enforcement. You can also come inside to the lobby during business hours. And if you would like a deputy to be with you during the transaction you can also make that request through the Sheriff’s Office.

Related Stories
‹
Orange County: Capital Plan, Budget, Property Revaluation Outreach
Orange County Commissioner Sally Greene spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, April 23, discussing county news and events. She talked about the commissioners' recent work session in which they hear from County Manager Travis Myron on the 10-year capital  budget.
Easter Weekend to Affect Local Government Services in Orange County
The upcoming Easter weekend starting Friday April 18 will affect several local government services around the community.
Orange County Approves Purchase of Hillsborough Site for Future Crisis Diversion Facility
The Orange County Board of Commissioners recently approved a land purchase for a future Crisis Diversion Facility. 
Orange County: The Site of the Future Crisis Diversion Facility + Discussing Tax Rates and Revaluation
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell over the phone on Wednesday, April 16.
Orange County Preps for Revenue-Neutral Property Tax Rate Discussion; Board Chair Shares Threshold to Watch for Property Value
The Orange County Board of Commissioners will discuss the county's updated revenue-neutral property tax rate at its meeting on Tuesday, with the board chair revealing the threshold for how much property owners will see increases.
Orange County: Land Use Plans, Soccer Complex, Revenue-Neutral Tax Rate
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, April 9, discussing county news and events. She talked about the commissioners Land Use Plan, which they will continue discussion of in September. She also talked about a 34 acre soccer complex in western Orange County and how that fits into the budget going forward. She talked about the county's recent property revaluation, revealing the revenue-neutral tax rate for the county, and more.
Conversations We Need To Have: Orange County Equity and Inclusion Officer Paul Slack
Orange County's Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer Paul Slack spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday April 7. He discussed the current work of his office, which includes a successful event for Women's History Month in March. He also talked about some upcoming events. They also talked about how they came to support the work of social justice and equity for underrepresented groups, and more.
Orange County: Transportation Priorities, Capital Improvement 10 Year Plan
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, April 2, discussing county news and events. She discussed the recent meeting of the county board of commissioners, which included decisions about transportation priorities for the county, a presentation on the county's 10-year Capital Improvement Plan, and more.
STIHL Holds Open House, Celebration For New Orange County Distribution Center in Mebane
The power tool manufacturer STIHL welcomed corporate leaders, local government dignitaries and more to its open house celebration in Mebane.
Orange County: Property Revaluation, Future of Medicaid Expansion, Drakeford Library Opening
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, March 19. She discussed the recent meeting of the Orange County Commissioners, which included a report on Medicaid expansion in Orange County, an update from OWASA, a proclamation for child abuse prevention month, and more. She also talked about the ongoing property revaluation which had notices sent out to property owners this week, the ribbon-cutting for the Drakeford Library Complex, and more.
›