Of course when our family and friends comes to visit we give no mind to the security of our home in regards to potential theft. On occasion though, others may be allowed to enter our homes and we know nothing about them.

It is not as common now as it used to be to have many different types of repairmen come to the home to provide services. It used to be that appliance repairers and television repairmen were frequently let into the home to do a needed repair. More often than not these items are now returned to the factory or taken to a location. Back in those days there didn’t seem to be as much of a concern as there is today in respect to strangers entering our abode.

One of the common trends that is taking place today is the buying and selling of items online. Once the transaction is arranged the buyer will go to the seller’s home to complete the deal. This is not always a safe venture.

In fact, recently an elderly couple in Toronto attempted to give away some kittens and advertised these. A woman showed up feigning interest in them and was allowed to enter the home. While there she used the elderly couples bathroom and while at it decided to help herself to some expensive jewelry that was located there. This was devastating to the elderly couple who have been trusting enough to allow a stranger in their home all because of trying to find a good home for the kittens.

While this story became newsworthy no doubt there have been similar instances that have taken place that perhaps have not been reported. It just strengthens the fact that it is not wise to allow people you don’t know into your home.

If you are intent on becoming involved in the buying and selling frenzy that is taking place online, then you need to take some extra security measures.

First arrange to meet them in a public place where you can complete the transaction.

Do not give out your home address to anyone and try to complete your conversations online rather than the telephone.

When you do go to either deliver or pick up something you have bought or sold don’t go alone.

It is unfortunate that we cannot be as trusting as we would like to be, but there are unscrupulous people around waiting to prey on those that are vulnerable, no matter what their age.

Being alert and applying some common sense measures can help to ward off a nasty situation such as person loss or even personal harm.