By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The Alabaster Police Department is warning residents to be mindful of scams on trading websites such as Craigslist, and has released a list of tips to keep locals from being victims.

According to the department, criminals sometimes use the websites sites to lure their victims to an unfamiliar area.

The department released the following tips to keep residents safe when buying or selling using websites:

-Trust your instincts. If the situation doesn’t feel right, do not proceed.
-Don’t meet the buyer or seller alone, and make sure to take your cell phone.
-Make sure family or friends know where you are meeting the buyer or seller.
-Meet the buyer or seller at a public place where other people will be present, preferably a place you are familiar with.
-Never agree to meet in a secluded area.
-Do not invite the buyer or seller into your home, and do not go to theirs.
-Be cautious when buying or selling expensive items.
-Conduct your transaction during daylight hours.
-Deals sounding too good to be true probably are.
-Once you set a safe meeting place, be wary of allowing the buyer or seller to change the meeting place at the last minute. Don’t allow them to convince you to go elsewhere to pick up the item because the buyer or seller seems “nice” or “safe.”

Alabaster residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the Alabaster Police Department by calling 663-7401.