There’s a new way to protect yourself in Charlotte when buying or selling online
Still, police warned, it’s critical to understand that a potential safety threat exists wherever you meet a stranger to conduct a financial transaction.
The new “exchange zones” across Charlotte at least provide extra safety measures, including 24-hour video camera monitoring. Two parking spaces marked with red paint at each store identify where you should meet.
Officers will periodically check the exchange zone parking lots and will routinely meet with QuikTrip representatives to evaluate the program.
Police announced plans for the QuikTrip safe spots in late October, saying at least 40 people in Charlotte had been robbed while trying to complete online sales in person since January.
In June, Zachary Finch, a 21-year-old college baseball player, was killed while involved with the sale of a phone on an app called letgo. Three people were charged with murder.
Screenshot of Zachary Finch’s funeral notice from McEwen Funeral Service/Dignity Memorial.
Jane Wester jwester@charlotteobserver.com
“Zachary did everything right,” his mother, Tara Finch, said at a news conference at CMPD headquarters in October where police announced the QuikTrip safe zone plans. “It was the middle of the day, it was 1:30 in the afternoon on Father’s Day, in a public park. Zachary was just trusting and he trusted the wrong people.”
Police on Friday encouraged online buyers and sellers to meet at any of these QuikTrips: 127 E. Woodlawn Road; 6721 Albemarle Road; 7205 The Plaza; 2326 Sandy Porter Road; 11230 N. Tryon St.; 7115 South Blvd.; and 3025 Wilkinson Blvd.
Also: 116 Clanton Road; 3206 Eastway Drive; 5209 Central Ave.; 4937 Sunset Road; 4200 Brookshire Blvd.; 5708 N. Tryon St.; and 10910 Golf Links Drive.
Police said they’re working to get more businesses to participate.
This story first ran at CharlotteObserver.com.
Photo: Bria Bell, WBTV
This story was originally published November 19, 2017 at 8:00 PM with the headline "There’s a new way to protect yourself in Charlotte when buying or selling online."