JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI - JPD RELEASES FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE SAFETY TIPS, THEN I GIVE SOME BETTER ONES!

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - The Jackson Police Department released a “Beware of Scams” safety guideline for using Facebook Marketplace. These guidelines can apply to any social media platform exchange.

Some city officials, including Chief Joseph Wade with JPD, discussed those guidelines further with us.

Jackson police say that following these guidelines can make your Facebook Marketplace experience safer and stress-free.

The steps when meeting up with someone from social media are:

⋅ Meet in a public, safe location.

⋅ DO NOT go alone.

⋅ Share your location.

⋅ Video the interaction.

⋅ Set boundaries.

⋅ Stick to daylight hours.

⋅ Trust your instincts.

Chief Wade said that if something feels too good to be true, then it probably is. “Most of the time, your gut instinct is right,” said Wade. “Especially when you’re talking about people trying to solicit you for money.”

Following these steps can differentiate between a safe transaction and a violent crime.

Ashby Foote, Ward 1 Councilman, said that it is unfortunate because social media does a lot of great things.

“But it’s also, you know, a place where predators can try to take advantage of people that are, you know, law-abiding citizens,” said Foote.

It is important to remember that the holidays are a seasonal gateway for scammers to make their move.

So, be extra cautious when doing your holiday shopping this year.

Police ask that you share this information with family and friends so that you can stay safe.