Just buying something from an anonymous seller on Craigslist — or any number of other sites — can be a risky proposition in its own right. But police in Oakland say there’s been a rash of recent incidents where victims purchased items off Craigslist only to be robbed at gunpoint when they show up to take receipt of their purchases.

To help cut down on the number of these incidents, the police have issued the following four tips for how to minimize your odds of becoming a victim:

1. Do not agree to meet in a secluded or residential area. Highly populated and well-traveled areas are better.

2. Do not travel to any location with a large amount of cash.

3. Leave if someone or something looks suspicious.

4. If you are robbed, give the subjects the property they are asking for; your life is worth much more than your property.

Rash of holdups prompts Oakland police to caution online shoppers [Oakland Tribune]

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