FCSO Announces Safe Exchange Zone For Online Buyers & Sellers

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Bunnell, FL - Online Buyers and sellers will now have a safe exchange location in Flagler County thanks to a recent action taken by Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly.

On Wednesday, Staly unveiled signage for the department's new “E-Commerce Exchange Zone." The "zone" is a designated section of the public parking lot outside the Sheriff’s Operations Center, located at 901 E. Moody Blvd. in Bunnell, for residents to use when making exchanges of goods purchased online or on social media.

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) outlined the need for a safe location due to numerous instances of people becoming victims of crime as a result of attempting to buy or sell goods online. The FCSO urges residents to put "safety first" when in these situations.

The "E-Commerce Exchange Zone" is under 24-hour video surveillance, however, it is not continuously monitored. Should there be an emergency, an emergency phone is located at the entrance to the Sheriff's Operations Center.

“If you are trying to buy or sell something from an online seller or on social media, we want all parties involved to be safe,” said Staly. “The Sheriff’s Office Operations Center at 901. E Moody Boulevard in Bunnell is equipped with cameras and is probably the safest place you can go to make any kind of exchange. If someone is hesitant about meeting you in front of the Sheriff’s Office then you are probably better off not meeting them at all.”

While on the topic of exchanges, the FCSO seeks to remind residents about the importance of safety during child custody exchanges. According to the department, the best option for parents is to complete child custody exchanges at Sally's Safe Haven in Bunnell. The center is dedicated to providing a safe space for child custody exchanges and supervised visitations.

For more information on performing internet exchanges at the Sheriff's operations center, call 386-437-4116. For more information about Sally's Safe Haven, call 386-263-8771.

Photos courtesy FCSO.

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