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Craigslist Safety Program

Craiglist Safety zone logo

The City of Clarkston Police Department is the proud home of the “Craigslist Safety Zone,” which aims to make in-person transactions (those arranged online through sites like Craigslist) safer.

The Police Department offers its parking lot and Court Services Lobby for these transactions to take place. Clarkston residents can feel at ease in a well-lit parking lot or in the lobby with an officer present.

Residents are welcome to use the Court Services Lobby Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. A police officer could also check the serial or VIN of the item being sold to see if it had been stolen at any point prior to the transaction.

According to Craigslist, here are some tips to stay safe throughout online transactions:

  • Deal locally so you can meet the people in person.
  • Never wire funds via Western Union, Money Gram or any other wire service.
  • Know that fake cashier's checks and money orders are common. Banks will cash them and then hold you responsible for the money.
  • Craigslist provides no "buyer protection" or "seller certification."
  • Never give out your financial information.
  • Avoid deals involving shipping or escrow services.
  • Only a scammer will "guarantee" your transaction.
  • Never rent housing without seeing it first; never purchase expensive items sight-unseen.
  • Never submit to a credit check or background check for a job or house listed on Craigslist until you have met the interviewer or landlord in person.
  • Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe.
  • Do not meet in a secluded place, or invite strangers into your home.
  • Be especially careful when buying/selling high-value items.
  • Tell a friend or family member where you're going to meet some-one you contacted through Craigslist.
  • Take your cellphone along with you.
  • Consider having a friend accompany you during Craigslist purchases.
  • Trust your instincts.

The City of Clarkston Police Department is the proud home of the “Craigslist Safety Zone,” which aims to make in-person transactions (those arranged online through sites like Craigslist) safer.

The Police Department offers its parking lot and Court Services Lobby for these transactions to take place. Clarkston residents can feel at ease in a well-lit parking lot or in the lobby with an officer present.

Residents are welcome to use the Court Services Lobby Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. A police officer could also check the serial or VIN of the item being sold to see if it had been stolen at any point prior to the transaction.