Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe, bank, or shopping center.
Do not invite strangers into your home or meet in a secluded place.
Be especially careful buying/selling high value items.
Tell a friend or family member where you're going.
Take your cellphone along, if you have one.
Consider having a friend accompany you.
Trust your instincts.
See if your area has an official Swap Spot. Among some in the metro area:
Hennepin County: Sheriff's Water Patrol, 4141 Shoreline Drive, Spring Park.
Enforcement Services Division, 9401 83rd Av. N., Brooklyn Park
Public Safety Facility, 401 S. 4th Av., Minneapolis
Forest Lake: Front (east side) of the Forest Lake City Center, 1408 South Lake St.
Anoka County: Sheriff's office parking lot at 13301 Hanson Blvd. NW., Andover. Includes 24-hour security cameras and an emergency call box
Source: Law enforcement and Craigslist
Peek inside homes for sale in the Twin Cities area.
