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Dear UCR Community,</div>
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<p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The safety of students, faculty and staff is a top priority here a UCR. To that end, we share the following information and tips on how to protect yourselves and support the safety of
others while making transactional exchanges from online purchases. </p>
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<p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As online marketplaces like OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist continue to be popular for buying and selling items, we want to remind everyone to prioritize safety when conducting
in-person transactions. While these platforms can be convenient, they also come with potential risks. Please keep the following safety tips in mind:</p>
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<p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Meeting in a Safe Location</b></p>
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<li style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Arrange to meet in a well-lit, public place, preferably during daylight hours.</li><li style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">If possible, use designated Safe Exchange Zones such as police station parking lots.</li><li style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Avoid meeting at your home, residence hall, or secluded areas.</li></ul>
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<p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Bring a Friend & Inform Others</b></p>
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<li style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">If you must meet in person, bring a friend or let someone know your location and expected return time.</li><li style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Share the details of your transaction, including the buyer/seller’s profile and meeting location, with a trusted person.</li></ul>
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<p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Trust Your Instincts & Stay Aware</b></p>
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<li style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">If something feels off or the other party is pressuring you, walk away.</li><li style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. Scammers often use enticing prices to lure buyers.</li><li style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Limit the amount of personal information you share.</li></ul>
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<p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Use Secure Payment Methods</b></p>
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<li style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Consider using secure digital payment methods like Venmo or PayPal (but be cautious of scams).</li><li style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Count money discreetly if paying in cash and confirm the authenticity of bills if you’re accepting cash.</li></ul>
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<p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Watch for Scams & Fraud</b></p>
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<li style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Be wary of sellers who ask for payment before meeting or buyers who insist on using non-traceable payment methods.</li><li style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Check items thoroughly before purchasing. If buying electronics, test them before exchanging money.</li><li style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">If a deal seems too easy or rushed, take a step back and reassess.</li></ul>
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<p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Report Suspicious Activity</b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you experience a scam, encounter suspicious behavior, or feel unsafe, please report it to UCR Police & Campus Safety at 951-827-5222, or
<span style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><u><a href="mailto:ucpdgeneralmail@ucr.edu" id="OWA92137a0b-cf3a-91a3-b84e-96ffe042b0ba" class="OWAAutoLink" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">ucpdgeneralmail@ucr.edu</a></u></span>.
You may also reporting the details to the platform where the transaction took place.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">By staying cautious and following these safety practices, we can create a safer community for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><img id="x_Picture_x0020_2" width="250" height="73" size="14751" contenttype="image/png" style="width: 2.6145in; height: 0.7708in; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" data-outlook-trace="F:1|T:1" src="cid:image001.png@01DB847C.DB93CFB0"></p>
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