Life is always changing, and it feels like things get crazier as we get older and society gets more advanced. Because of this, going to stores or malls isn’t as easy as it used to be. So, more people are shopping online, and it’s becoming the new normal.

Even though shopping online is easier, there are some problems, like not getting what you expected. There are also bigger concerns, like safety. To help with this, Pembroke, Ontario, a small city in Canada, is using a handshake symbol to make shopping safer. This new idea could help many shoppers and might change the way people shop online.

**Handshake Symbols Represent Safety**
A handshake symbol is appearing in parking spaces all over Pembroke. The city’s police department, Pembroke OPP, explained that the new handshake symbol spots are part of Project Safe Trade. These spots are meant to move online transactions from isolated places to public areas to make them safer.

**Details of the Project**
The handshake symbol spots, called «safe trade spots,» are available 24/7 without needing appointments. If you bought something online but need to pick it up or pay in person, these spots are a neutral meeting point. While these spots won’t be watched all the time, police will be nearby if needed. The area will be well-lit and easy to find.

**Holiday Shopping**
During the busy holiday season, people often don’t pay attention to the details of their transactions. The handshake symbol spots are especially helpful during this time. Steph Neufeld, the safety unit’s captain, says the local launch of Project Safe Trade is perfect for the holiday season because online shopping is increasing, and this project aims to reduce crimes related to online shopping.

**Beyond the Handshake Symbol**
The handshake symbol parking lots are a good start, but the city is doing more. Carmi Levy, a technology expert, gives useful tips. He suggests checking out the seller’s background, seeing what other things they’ve sold, and making sure the item works before paying for it to avoid scams.

**Other Safety Tips**
It’s also a good idea to bring someone you trust when meeting for an online transaction. Keep records of all communications with the seller, including voicemails, emails, or texts. Shopping apps like ‘OfferUp’ and ‘LetGo’ advise against sharing personal information outside the app, where conversations are logged and secure. For people in Pembroke, using handshake symbol parking lots can help keep them safe, especially during the holidays. This project could also improve safety in the future.