I am all for getting a bargain. Really? Ok you know that about me already. And I am all for getting cash for stuff you don’t use or need anymore. And thanks to EBay and Craigslist and the like it’s easy to run a virtual garage sale. But with strangers coming over to see your stuff or for going to a stranger’s home to make a purchase, safety becomes an issue. Not that I am in any way linking buying a used couch to contracting with an escort service, but the whole “Craigslist Killers” can make you think twice about how much a bargain is really worth.

Security expert Robert Siciliano of Intelius offers advice for doing business online.
1. ID and pre-qualify before meeting. Get the name of the person you’re meeting and their cell phone number. If they resist giving out this information, this is a red flag. Search them on iSearch.com and look for their name in social networks. If you see anything suspicious then cancel.

2. Be street smart. Don't wear expensive jewelry or dress provocatively. Scarves and loose fitting clothes can give attackers something to grab. Wear shoes you can run and kick in and won't hinder fighting back.

3. Enlist a friend. Whenever possible, bring along someone. There is strength in numbers. Predators thrive on isolation. By pairing up, you reduce the chances of being attacked.

4. Meet in a public place. Whenever possible meet at a neutral location that involves lots of other people. The more eyeballs the better.

5. Stay in communication. Make it known to your spouse or a friend where you are going and when you will be back. Have them on your cell phone while you are meeting.

6. Stay aware. Unawareness creates risk. Unfortunately, there is always risk in meeting someone you don’t know. Being guarded can keep you from getting into a vulnerable situation.

7. Pay attention to your intuition. Trust your gut, and don't discount any troubling feelings you might have about your meeting. If anything seems wrong, then it IS wrong. Cancel if necessary.