Safety Tips

🤝 Meeting in Person

• Meet in public places - Choose well-lit, busy locations like shopping centers, coffee shops, or police station parking lots
• Bring a friend - Never meet alone, especially for high-value transactions
• Meet during daylight - Schedule meetings during business hours when it's light outside
• Tell someone - Let a friend or family member know where you're going and when you'll be back
• Trust your instincts - If something feels wrong, don't proceed with the transaction

💰 Payment Safety

• Use cash for local deals - Cash is the safest payment method for in-person transactions
• Never wire money - Avoid wire transfers, money orders, or cashier's checks to people you don't know
• Don't pay in advance - Never send payment before seeing and inspecting the item
• Inspect before paying - Always examine the item thoroughly before handing over money
• Get a receipt - For valuable items, get a bill of sale with both parties' information

🚨 Recognizing Scams

🔒 Protecting Your Information

• Use our messaging system - Keep communications within the platform until you're comfortable
• Don't share sensitive data - Never share Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords
• Use a separate email - Consider using a dedicated email address for marketplace activities
• Create strong passwords - Use unique, complex passwords for your account

💼 Tips for Sellers

• Use your own photos - Take original photos of your items to build trust
• Be honest about condition - Accurately describe any defects or issues
• Screen buyers - Communicate with potential buyers to gauge legitimacy
• Watch for fake checks - If using checks, wait for them to clear before delivering items
• Meet at your convenience - Don't feel pressured to meet at odd hours or locations