There are a lot of great deals to be found on sites like Kijiji, but there are also lots of opportunities for fraud. We spoke with the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) for tips on keeping you and your family safe.

Constable Jason Michalyshen of the WPS says the biggest concern for police, "above and beyond any type of potential fraud, is a person's safety."

Meet in public places

He recommends conducting transactions in public places. "At the very least, you're going to ensure that you're safe, or certainly heighten your safety. The most important thing is that you're amongst other people."

While some cities around the world are beginning to offer "transaction zones" for such purchases at local police stations, complete with areas for the testing of electronics, there are no such designated zones at Winnipeg police stations. However, that doesn't mean they're still not a good place to make such transactions. In fact, Michalyshen encourages it. 

"Obviously we do have a public space [at the Police Headquarters]. People do come and go for a number of reasons. If two people agree to meet in our front lobby to complete a transaction . . . as long as it's a legal transaction, then by doing so, they ensure they're both safe."

Other public places like coffee shops and shopping malls are good options. And taking a friend can also heighten safety.

Buyer beware

Unfortunately, nothing is ever guaranteed, and when buying used items the WPS urges caution.

"When you're making a purchase, there is a level of risk. Make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. That old line goes, 'if it looks too good to be true, it probably is,' as well."

Michalyshen urges people to pay attention to the "red flags" in such cases and be willing to walk away.

Try before buy

Testing products before completing a transaction is also important to ensure that they are working as promised. This can be difficult for some bigger electronic items. At the very least, you should always inspect items and never accept a sealed box. In other words, always make sure the items are actually present in the box.

Smartphones

You can make sure a smartphone is not stolen by checking them against lost & stolen lists. Kijiji's website offers some tips in this regard. ook at the Lock screen - if the phone has been erased remotely or put into lost mode, the lock screen will reflect that.

For iPhones, look at the Lock screen - if the phone has been erased remotely or put into lost mode, the lock screen will reflect that.

For other smartphones, you can check their IMEI number by opening the dialer and pressing *#06#. There are several sites where you can put in the number and check it against lists. As it can take up to 48 hours for a reported stolen phone to appear on this list, you may wish to meet with the seller after this time has passed.

Don't use cash

Finally, instead of carrying large amounts of cash, use options like PayPal instead. Once both parties are happy with the transaction, you can complete it by using your smartphone.

If a seller doesn't agree to anything that protects both of you, then it's probably best to simply walk away. "Make sure you do your homework, and again, if it looks too good to be true it probably is. Be aware of your surrounds and what you're getting yourself into," Michalyshen says.

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