Enhancing Public Safety:Crime Prevention Tips for Online Sales, Mobile

Published on May 08, 2025

Enhancing Public Safety: Crime Prevention Tips for Online Sales, Mobile Apps, and Delivery Drivers

(Fayetteville, NC) – The Fayetteville Police Department would like to offer a few tips as it relates to internet / mobile app sales, meeting individuals for the completion of the sale, and for food delivery drivers.

The Fayetteville Police Department has investigated instances of individuals who located what appeared to be a great deal through an internet sales website or sales app, and upon meeting the seller, the citizen was robbed or defrauded, to include counterfeit money being used to complete a sale or purchase. 

There are several enticing deals posted on internet sales websites and mobile sales apps; however, a suspect may only be concerned of how they can separate you from your hard-earned money without exchanging any property, or by defrauding you with counterfeit money or products.  The Fayetteville Police Department is providing a few tips to decrease the likelihood of citizens becoming a victim of a crime while conducting the face-to-face transaction.

• Never meet in a secluded location that is not populated or well lit.
• Consider meeting at the Police Department or one of the Police Substations. We offer our lobby and parking lots as a courtesy to conduct these transactions.

• Consider arranging to meet during the daytime in a well populated area.
• Arrange to meet at a public building.
• Be alert of your surroundings when you arrive to meet the seller.
• Do not agree to meet the seller alone.
• If the deal seems too good to be true; be alert to a possible scam.
• Be alert of the possibility of receiving counterfeit currency:

• Call 911 if you have any concerns or if you feel you have been the victim of a fraud. 

For food delivery drivers:

Before You Go:

• Know the Area: Familiarize yourself with delivery areas. Be extra cautious in unfamiliar or poorly lit locations.
• Plan Your Route: Use GPS, but also have a general sense of direction to avoid the appearance of being lost.
• Communicate: Let someone know your delivery schedule and expected return time.
• Limit Cash: Carry as little cash as possible. If your company allows, use a system where customers prepay or use digital payment methods. Display a sign indicating you carry limited or no cash.
• Vehicle Preparedness: Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and has enough fuel. Keep your doors locked while driving.

During Deliveries:

• Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Watch for suspicious people or vehicles.
• Trust Your Gut: If a situation feels unsafe, don't make the delivery.
• Well-Lit Areas: Park in well-lit areas close to the delivery location.
• Approach with Caution: As you approach the delivery address, scan the area for any suspicious activity.
• Announce Your Arrival: Ring the doorbell or knock and step back from the door.
• Secure Your Vehicle: Even for a moment, lock your car and take your keys with you. Don't leave your engine running.
• Avoid Isolated Areas: Never go behind buildings or to side doors.
• Use a Flashlight: Especially at night, use a flashlight to illuminate addresses and walkways.
• No Re-Directs: Be wary of customers who try to change the delivery location after you arrive.

Anyone with information regarding fraudulent internet sales activity, robbery motivated sales, or delivery driver robberies is asked to contact the Fayetteville Police Department at (910) 433-1856 or Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477). Crimestoppers information can also be submitted electronically, by visiting http://fay-nccrimestoppers.org and completing the anonymous online tip sheet, or by downloading the FREE “P3 Tips” app available for Apple devices in the Apple App Store and available for Android devices in Google Play.