The overwhelming majority of Desert Merchant classified ad users from Phoenix, AZ and nationally are trustworthy and well-intentioned.

With thousands of human interactions facilitated through Desert Merchant, the incidence of violent crime has been low.

Nevertheless, it’s very important to take the same common sense precautions online as you would offline.

When meeting a buiyer or seller for the first time, please remember to:

• Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe
• Tell a friend or family member where you’re going
• Take your cell phone along if you have one
• Consider having a friend accompany you
• Trust your instincts

Taking these simple precautions helps make Desert Merchant safer for everyone.

For more information about personal safety online, check out these resources:

1. http://getsafeonline.org
2. http://wiredsafety.org
3. http://phoenix.craigslist.org/about/scams