What Does a Handshake Sign Mean on a Parking Spot?
If you’ve seen parking spots marked with a handshake symbol in Pembroke, Ontario, you might be wondering what it’s all about. These spaces, located outside the Pembroke OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) station at 77 International Dr., are part of a new initiative designed to make online transactions safer for everyone.
The handshake symbol indicates that these spots are community safety zones specifically set up for people meeting in person to complete online transactions. Whether you’ve bought something from an online marketplace or are selling an item, these designated spots offer a public, secure place to meet, reducing the risks associated with in-person exchanges.
What is Project Safe Trade?
Project Safe Trade, launched by the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP, aims to create safe spaces for people to meet when finalizing online transactions. The initiative encourages online buyers and sellers to use these public, monitored spaces instead of meeting at private locations, like homes or dark parking lots.
The goal is simple: make online buying and selling safer by offering a community safety zone that anyone can access, any time of the day, without needing to schedule an appointment. These spaces are open 24/7, making them an accessible option for anyone involved in online property transactions.
“The holidays are coming up, so now is the perfect time to launch Project Safe Trade,” said Steph Neufeld, commander of the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP detachment. “With online property deals increasing, we’re excited to introduce this community safety measure to help reduce crimes and victimization related to online marketplace transactions.”
Why Use These Safe Zones?
These safe trading spots aim to reduce the risks associated with online transactions, such as scams, theft, and even physical harm. Const. Mike Mahon from the OPP emphasized the importance of these spaces in preventing fraud and ensuring that both parties in a transaction feel secure.
“If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,” Mahon said in an interview with CTV News. “If the seller hesitates about meeting in these designated areas, that should raise a red flag.”
While officers won’t act as witnesses or mediators in the transactions, they are available to intervene if a crime takes place.
Tips for Staying Safe When Buying and Selling Online
If you’re not in Pembroke or prefer not to use the designated safety zones, here are some helpful tips for protecting yourself during online transactions:
- Meet in busy, public places – Pick locations like coffee shops or shopping centers where there are plenty of people around.
- Bring a trusted friend or family member – Having someone with you can help you feel more secure during the exchange.
- Do business during daylight hours – Meeting in daylight is safer and can help deter any potential criminal activity.
- Keep all communication – Retain any texts, emails, or voicemails exchanged with the buyer or seller in case you need them for later.
- Research the seller – Tech expert Carmi Levy advises checking out the person you’re buying from. Look at their selling history, reviews from other buyers, and any other available information to ensure they’re legitimate.
- Inspect the item in person – Before handing over any money, always check the item’s condition and functionality. Test it to make sure it works and that it matches what was advertised.
Conclusion: Safety First in Online Transactions
In an era where online marketplaces are booming, taking steps to ensure safety during transactions is more important than ever. Pembroke’s handshake-marked parking spots are just one example of how communities are adapting to this growing trend by providing safer alternatives for face-to-face exchanges.
So, next time you buy or sell something online, consider using one of these safe zones or follow the other safety tips to keep your transactions secure. By doing so, you help reduce the risk of fraud and contribute to a safer online marketplace for everyone.
