Oakland police want to remind you that it is a bad idea to bring large amounts of cash when you meet strangers in secluded or residential areas.

That may sound like a no-brainer, but that's what many people do when they buy cars they find on Craigslist.

And many are getting robbed in Oakland, police said.

Victims often find deals that are almost too good to be true on the popular website and drive from as far away as Sacramento to buy their car, cash in hand, said Officer Holly Joshi.

But once they arrive, they are usually robbed at gunpoint or beaten, Joshi said.

Police say they are investigating a series of crimes and ask anyone with information to call them at (510) 238-3426. They offer a reward of $10,000.

In the meantime, police advise the curious car buyers to agree to meet sellers only in well-traveled areas of the city, don't carry large amounts of cash and leave the second they feel something is wrong, especially if no car is visible.

Most importantly, Joshi said, if a buyer is robbed, they should give the thieves exactly what they want.

"Your life if more valuable than your property," she said in a statement.