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Chesterfield sex crime prompts advice on safe Craigslist use

Posted at 11:26 PM, Dec 11, 2013
and last updated 2013-12-12 00:11:00-05

CHESTERFIELD, Va. (WTVR) - A Chesterfield man is behind bars for committing sex crimes against a woman he first met online.

The arrest is another reminder in a world run by technology that it can be easy to let your guard down when doing something as simple as selling an item off Craigslist.

Terry Miller, who lives in Chesterfield, said she's used Craigslist as a way to sell items she didn't need anymore.

"I've sold a lot of the kids stuff that they've outgrown-- like their power wheel toys," Miller said.

Miller said she's never had an issues with the things she's posted on the popular website, but said she's always cautious when selling items online, and she understands there can be dangers.

"I always list my cell phone number and not my home number because people can Google your home number and an address will pop up right away," Miller said.

"When a person chooses to make use of a social sharing type of site, they have to understand that is the ultimate buyer beware," said Steve Neal, CBS 6 crime expert.

Neal said for those who do choose to use online sites, you should never invite them into your home.

"It's a much better idea to meet them in a public place, and I would take a witness with me," said Neal.

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