A new symbol is showing up on some parking spaces!

The handshake symbol marks designated zones at the Pembroke OPP station

(77 International Dr.) for secure online meetups. These “community safety zones”

let you complete online purchases (pickups or payments) in a public setting, away from private locations.

Project Safe Trade, launched by the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP, aims to reduce online marketplace fra‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ud.

The zones are open 24/7, no appointments needed.

“This is a great time to launch Project Safe Trade with the holidays coming up,”

says OPP commander Steph Neufeld. “Online transactions are rising, and we’re happy to offer this safety initiative.”

Const. Mike Mahon emphasizes staying vigilant against sca‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ms.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” he warns. Be wary of sellers hesitant to meet at the designated zones.

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