Here's what a handshake symbol on a parking space means
A new symbol is showing up on some parking spaces in Pembroke, Ont.
The handshake symbol you can see in some spaces outside the Pembroke OPP detachment at 77 International Dr. are meant to be community safety zones for online transactions.
If you buy something online and have to meet someone in person to pick it up or pay for it, the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP say there are spots you can use that will ensure the safety of all involved.
“The purpose of Project Safe Trade is to create a 'community safety zone' at an OPP detachment parking lot to facilitate online property transactions,” the OPP said in a news release. “Creating a 'community safety zone' is about moving online transactions away from secluded parking lots, personal residences or other areas and bringing them to a public place.”
The safe trade spots will be available at any hour and do not require appointments.
“The 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,” said Upper Ottawa Valley OPP detachment commander Steph Neufeld. “Collaborative approaches like Project Safe Trade can help to reduce harm and victimization in our communities.”
Const. Mike Mahon told CTV News the spaces also provide a way to help avoid the possibility of falling victim to a scam.
“The old adage, if it's too good to be true, it probably is. Especially if you're suggesting to meet here and they're very reluctant, then that should set off a red flag for you,” he said.
The OPP say officers will not mediate transactions, provide documentation or be a witness to a transaction. But if an officer is requested, one will respond and only intervene if the transaction becomes a criminal matter.
If you choose not to use the spaces, there are other ways to stay safe when meeting strangers online for financial transactions.
- Meet in a busy public space
- Bring a trusted friend or family member as a witness
- Conduct transactions during daylight hours
- Do not erase emails, texts or voicemails between yourself and the buyer/seller
Technology analyst Carmi Levy says the Christmas season has everyone rushing around, but it's important to slow down and do a bit of homework.
“Do your due diligence on the person that claims to be selling it. Look into their background, see what other things they've sold, look for information on how other buyers have dealt with them in the past,” Levy said.
“Insist on seeing the actual device that you're 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.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
More than half the Canadians once detained in Syrian camps for suspected ISIS family members have returned home
A total of 29 Canadians have been freed from detention camps in northeast Syria and brought back to Canada since human rights advocates began lobbying for their release years ago.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.