Retired detective creates app to protect online sellers, buyers

SAN DIEGO -- (KSWB) -- A retired San Diego police detective created a way to stop criminals from taking advantage of people who sell and buy items online and through apps.

The holidays are time of year when extra cash is a must and many people turn to the internet or apps to sell and buy items online. The use of online sites have been known to put some people at risk of criminal activity.

During the 31 years he spent as a detective of the San Diego Police Department, Gary Lawrence witnessed case after case of what police refer to as “robberies by appointment.”

“There was one murder in San Diego regarding a Craigslist transaction. A young man was trying to buy a laptop and he ended up being shot and killed,” Lawrence said.

The now retired detective said at this time of year, cases involving people getting scammed online and robbed spike. He came up with the Swap Safe app as a way to protect people.