Vancouver police are endorsing the idea of conducting high-risk transactions for Craigslist deals in the lobby of their headquarters.

The endorsement comes after hundreds of young fans of the pop group Maroon 5 ended up losing hundreds of dollars on fake tickets purchased through Craigslist for the group's Vancouver concert on Sunday.

Const. Brian Montague said while they don't really have space for people selling mattresses or old couches, anyone nervous about buying or selling a high-risk item like a piece of jewellery or concert tickets is welcome to use their lobby to complete the deal.

Vancouver police say the public is welcome to use their lobby for extra security while closing high-risk online deals like the sale of concert tickets or jewellery.

"We don't get directly involved," said Montague, "It's mostly about deterrence. If someone is reluctant, that should give you a red flag."

The practice was recently endorsed by Craigslist, which has always recommended users complete transactions in a public area, in the popular website's personal safety recommendations. Several U.S. police departments have also supported the idea.

Montague points to the presence of police and the video surveillance as factors that would deter anyone with nefarious intentions. 

While Vancouver police are unaware of anyone actually using the lobby for Craigslist transactions, Montague says it is likely deals are already taking place in the busy front entrance.

"I'm sure it is already happening and we are unaware of it," he said.