Even when meeting at Beaumont RCMP Detachment remember the following tips when buying or selling on Kijiji, Craigslist and other online marketplaces (Facebook Buy and Sell groups):

• Beaumont RCMP members will not get involved in the details of the transaction. RCMP members only responsibility is to make sure you’re safe.
  
  
• Ask for proof of the seller’s identity, if the item is something that might have been stolen.
  
  
• If you’re carrying a large sum of cash, either before or after the transaction, don’t make it obvious, and be careful to ensure that you’re not followed after the transaction.
  
  
• Beware of common scams, like checks for an amount higher than the amount of the deal; “cashier’s checks” that are forged and presented when the bank is closed.
  
  
• If you are given a cashier’s check, money order or other equivalent, call the bank at the number listed online, NOT a number the buyer gives you to verify the validity of the check. 

Tips:

1. Agree to meet the buyer or seller of whatever you’re selling (or buying) at Beaumont RCMP Detachment.
   
   
2. Meet during business hours, Beaumont RCMP Detachment is offering exchange zone at the detachment during business hours.

Detachment Hours of Operation

Monday - Wednesday and Friday            8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

(Closed to the public on weekends and statutory holidays)

Buying and Selling Large Items

Sometimes it’s impractical to meet at a police station for a transaction. Can’t haul that sofa to the police department. Or a used car that isn’t running. In those cases:

• First, meet at a police station where you can exchange and record (use phone) each other's’ identification papers, such as a driver’s license. Do NOT carry cash to this location.
  
  
• Record the license or identification paper, or use your phone to photograph it.
  
  
• Email the ID information to a friend, or to someone trusted (not to yourself).
  
  
• If you’re selling at home, or going to someone’s home, never be outnumbered. If you’re at home, make sure you have two or three people there and tell the person who is coming that you will have others with you. There’s some safety in numbers.
  
  
• At home or an apartment, NEVER let someone go anywhere unaccompanied. Not even to the bathroom. Always make sure they are escorted.
  
  
• Never let more than one group come to your home at one time to buy or sell.