A watch sale through Facebook Marketplace turned deadly, and now, users across North Texas are asking: How safe is it to meet a stranger through an online deal? In December 2025, a man drove from Spring, Texas, to Seagoville to meet someone who expressed interest in buying jewelry he listed onlin e. Instead, he walked into a trap. Police say the supposed buyer was using a fake Facebook profile. Moments after the victim parked at a public park, he was shot and killed. The tragedy has ignited conversation online — and for good reason. Millions of people use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp and Nextdoor to buy and sell everything from furniture to electronics. But every transaction comes with risk, and experts say it’s time we rethink how we approach these in-person meetups. Some police stations, including the Royse City Police Department, offer a designated area to meet and complete their transactions and exchanges. Here are 7 safety tips law enforcement and consumer advocates say could save your life: Choose a public meeting place: Opt for well-lit, public locations with high foot traffic, such as coffee shops, shopping centers, or designated “safe exchange zones” often provided by local police departments. Most departments now offer “Safe Exchange Zones” monitored by security cameras. Some are even in front of the station, giving buyers and sellers peace of mind. Inform someone about the meeting: Always let a friend or family member know where you’re going, whom you’re meeting, and when you expect to return.​ Bring a companion: If possible, take someone with you to the meeting. There’s safety in numbers. Trust your instincts: If something feels off or the other party behaves suspiciously, don’t hesitate to cancel the meeting or leave the location. Limit personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive personal details with the buyer or seller. Use the messaging platform provided by the marketplace to communicate. Inspect items in public: Examine the item you’re purchasing in the chosen public place and ensure you’re satisfied before exchanging money. Use electronic payments when possible: Carrying large amounts of cash can make you a target. Consider using secure electronic payment methods. Be cautious with high-value items: For expensive items, consider conducting the transaction at a local police station or another secure location. Remember, while most online marketplace transactions occur without issue, it’s essential to remain vigilant and prioritize your safety during in-person meetings. Which police stations in North Texas offer meetup locations for exchanges? Dallas Police Department: In collaboration with OfferUp, the Dallas Police Department established the city’s first Safe Exchange Zone at the South Central Patrol Division, located at 1999 E. Camp Wisdom Road. This area is designed to provide a well-lit, surveilled environment for in-person transactions. Richardson Police Department: The Richardson Police Department has unveiled an Exchange Zone at 200 N. Greenville Ave. This zone offers a safe place for buyers and sellers to meet, aiming to deter potential criminal activities associated with online transactions. Grapevine Police Department: An E-Commerce Exchange Zone is available in the front parking lot of the Grapevine Public Safety Building Municipal Courts, located at 1027 Ira E. Woods Avenue. The area is designated for safer exchanges of goods purchased online. The Colony Police Department: This department offers a secure zone for citizens to conduct exchanges of items bought and sold over the Internet. The Exchange Zone is located at 5151 N. Colony Blvd, behind the jail building, and is monitored by surveillance cameras 24/7. Royse City Police Department: The MeetUp Spot is a designated area in the Royse City Police Department parking lot, located at 100 W. Main Royse City, TX, marked with a green sign, and is intended to be a safer place to meet and conduct transactions. It’s advisable to contact your local police department to inquire about the availability of such zones in your area.​ Crime and Courts Mar 21 Facebook Marketplace sale ends in deadly ambush in Texas Tesla 6 hours ago FBI issues warning to Tesla drivers; ‘Incendiary' devices found at Austin showroom ...read more read less