Buyers and sellers with fears of being defrauded can now use Tecumseh OPP's parking lot as a safe place to swap goods.
OPP launched a one-year pilot project in the town Friday called Project Safe Trade.
Essex OPP Detachment Commander Glenn Miller says these types of crimes are a growing problem.
"The one-on-one nature of these transactions puts sellers at risk of becoming a victim of robbery, assault or fraud," says Miller.
Since January 2012, Essex County OPP has received 195 complaints about online fraud. The actual number could be as high as 3,400 incidents as the OPP estimates 95% of these crimes go unreported.
Tecumseh OPP now offers an internet purchase exchange zone in its parking lot. (Photo by Jason Viau)
Sergeant Brad Sakalo helped come up with the idea and says the meeting place at 963 Lesperance Rd. will deter criminals.
However, officers will not be present during transactions. They will only attend if an offence is being committed.
Three years ago Tim Bosma took two strangers for a test drive in a truck he was trying to sell online. A trial is currently underway in Hamilton against two man accused of killing him.