As Houstonians engage in online commerce during the holiday season, the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s office has announced it will serve as a "holiday safety exchange zone" to help people stay safe when meeting up for sales.

The constable office's lobby will serve as a zone from 1-3 p.m. starting Nov. 28, according to a Nov. 25 news release. During that time, a deputy will be on-site to oversee transactions.

The concept is meant to allow online buyers and sellers to conduct transactions negotiated online in a safe place without having to provide their home addresses to anyone they are meeting, as well as to help deter fraud, according to the release. Both the downtown location at 1302 Preston St., Houston, and the north location at 7300 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston, are options.

In the release, officials with the constable’s office said Harris County will not be involved in the business conducted among participating parties. For more information, individuals can call 713-755-3372.