A reminder that our lobby at 4800 West Copans Road is a Safe Zone to conduct face-to-face transactions is the basis for this Coconut Creek Police Department Scam Alert.

A man recently called us after he tried to sell a watch on Facebook Marketplace. The supposed “buyer” agreed to meet at a place that wasn’t very crowded. Then the buyer pulled the ole “switcheroo” with the man’s family member. He switched an envelope full of the correct amount of cash to buy the watch with an envelope that contained far less. He walked away with the watch at a huge discount.

He might’ve tried to pull the same stunt if they had agreed to meet in our police department lobby. But probably not. After all, it’s open 24-7 and video monitored by our Real Time Crime Center.

So, the next time you’re trying to buy or sell something on-line and need a place to meet for business, suggest our Safe Zone. If the other person makes every excuse in the world as to why he or she cannot meet in our lobby, then something’s probably up.