Sgt. Biese, Appleton Police

Dear Jean,
Recently, I was in the audience at the library when you spoke about how to get rid of our stuff. You told us not to sell things on Facebook Marketplace or Craig’s List, because we shouldn’t let people in who can haul things out. I disagree. I have been doing this for several months and have had no problems. It is a convenient way to get rid of stuff. People are so nice and helpful. They appreciate getting the items and don’t mind a little work.

Answer,
I am glad you are still safe. So far.

Yes, it is an easy way to get items taken out, until things go wrong.

To get an expert’s opinion, I reached out to Community Liaison Officer, Sgt. Christopher Biese, who has been a member of the Appleton Police for twenty years.

Sgt Biese explained that you shouldn’t be letting strangers into your house. Whether it is this type of thing, or somebody shows up on your doorstep to try to sell you something. Once you let them into your home, especially if there is more than one person, you can be distracted by one and the other could be casing your house to find things to come back for later, or potentially stealing things without you realizing it.

I asked what an older person should do if they want to get money and get things hauled away using these websites.

Biese’s response sounds like good advice for all of us, not just for seniors. He said, the best option is not having strangers come to your house. Period. For smaller items, it is recommended that you meet people at a safe place to make an exchange. You can use the local police department lobby or a very visible public space where there are others around. Don’t go alone.

If it is absolutely necessary that you sell something from your house, have friends or family bring the item out to your driveway; then, ideally, have a trusted person with you when you make the transfer.

Sgt. Biese reiterated that you don’t want people to come into your home. It is an opportunity for them to see what kind of valuables you may have; it gives them an idea of the layout of the home and possible security shortcomings that they could take advantage of later. Even if you have someone with you while the buyers come into your house, they won’t be there for you if the strangers return later.

Another thing to think about is the way the person is paying you. Don’t accept checks. Be aware that there is counterfeit currency out there. Be accompanied by someone.

Jean here: One more consideration, what if the person hurts themselves in your house? Who is responsible? I will stick to my original advice. In the end, you must ask yourself if it is worth your safety to deal with items this way.