Stay Safe When Selling Online – A Lesson from the Tim Bosma Tragedy

The Tim Bosma Story

On the evening of May 6, 2013, Tim Bosma, a 32-year old Ancaster, Ontario resident, left his home with two men on a test drive in his Dodge pick-up truck.  He had recently posted the truck for sale on Kijiji and AutoTrader.

Tim Bosma never returned home.  He was shot and killed inside his truck, and later that night his body was burned beyond recognition.

The two men, Dellen Millard, 30, of Toronto and Mark Smich, 27 of Oakville, are now on trial for Bosna’s murder.

Although tragic incidents like this are rare, there are precautions you should take when selling items through an online service such as Kijiji or Craigslist.

5 Things You Can Do to Stay Safe When Selling Online

  1. Meet in a Public Place
    Arrange to meet buyers in a public place where people are nearby — a local coffee shop, shopping mall, bank lobby or even a police station parking lot.
    Avoid meeting the buyer in your home.
  2. As the Seller, You are in Control
    You are in control of the time and place you meet, not the buyer.  You be the one to dictate the terms of your meeting.  Don’t be pressured into meeting in an uncomfortable location.
    Wherever possible meet during daylight hours.
  3. Get As Much Information From the Buyer As Possible
    Speak to the potential buyer over the phone ahead of your meeting.  Record their phone number and any other relevant information.
    When meeting, write down their vehicle license number.
    If the buyer wants to test drive your vehicle, ask to see his/her driver’s license.  Ensure it is current, and copy the license or write down the license number.
  4. Take Precautions
    Tell a friend or family member where you are going to meet the buyer and when you plan to return.
    Consider taking someone with you.
    Keep your cell phone close.
    If it is a large cash transaction, meet the buyer in a bank where you can make an immediate deposit and reduce your risk of robbery.
    Do not reveal unnecessary personal information to the buyer.
  5. Trust Your Instincts
    If the situation does not feel right, walk away.