Published: Nov. 6, 2019

The University of Colorado Parking Services and CU Boulder Police Department offer a location on campus known as the Online Safe Exchange Zone for buyers and sellers using websites such as Craigslist to buy and sell items.

Online Safe Exchange Zone on the south side of the Public Safety Building

The Online Safe Exchange Zone, located on the south side of the Public Safety Building

If you're completing an online transaction, you can make the exchange in the loading and unloading spaces at the loading dock located on the south side of the Public Safety Building at 1050 Regent Drive. These spaces allow parking for 15 minutes and are located next to the building where CUPD is located. While it is recommended these transactions take place during daytime hours, the lot is well-lit if you need to meet after dark. Also, the lot recorded by video at all times.

While this may not work for every online sales transaction because of the size of the item(s) being exchanged, the area is open to CU students, faculty and staff, as well as the general public.

The idea of the Online Safe Exchange Zone is to cut down on potential fraud and robberies that can be associated with these types of transactions. While available for you to use to complete your exchange, CU Boulder Police personnel may not participate or act as official witnesses in the transactions, nor are they available for legal advice or allowed to settle civil or pricing disputes between parties involved in transactions occurring at this location.

Safety tips

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when conducting such transactions:

  • Only do transactions with local buyers/sellers.
  • Do not go to a transaction alone.
  • Make sure a friend or family member is aware of the transaction details.
  • Insist on meeting in a public area like our safe transaction zone.
  • Do not go into someone else’s house, and do not allow them into yours.
  • Complete the transaction during daylight hours.
  • Be extra cautious when buying or selling valuable items such as vehicles and jewelry.
  • Only use cash or money orders to complete your transactions.
  • Trust your instincts: If it sounds like a scam, it probably is.
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