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
B.C. seeks ban on public drug use, dialing back decriminalization
The B.C. NDP has asked the federal government to recriminalize public drug use, marking a major shift in the province's approach to addressing the deadly overdose crisis.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial
Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Last letters of pioneering climber who died on Everest reveal dark side of mountaineering
George Mallory is renowned for being one of the first British mountaineers to attempt to scale the dizzying heights of Mount Everest during the 1920s. Nearly a century later, newly digitized letters shed light on Mallory’s hopes and fears about ascending Everest.
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.