Classified ads safety tips
Our goal is to safeguard our users from scams and unscrupulous individuals. We've compiled crucial information and advice to assist in recognizing such situations.
Buying or selling something through an online classified ad site can be a great way to get a good deal on an item or to sell something you no longer need. But it’s important to watch out for scams that could jeopardize your safety or money.
Here are some important tips to keep in mind:
The best way to avoid fraud is to contact the seller or the buyer directly, to see the item and pay for it or collect money.
And for that example we have three main rules:
- Buy with confidence by reviewing a seller's feedback.
- Buy with confidence by reading the item description before placing a bid.
- Buy with confidence by asking the seller a question and waiting for an answer before you hit the buy button.
Also be careful when buying expensive items such as cell phones, laptops, TVs, airline or event tickets. Never share your personal or bank details (such as your credit card number) with other people online.
Don’t trust the unique, amazing deals and the large sums of money offered for helping with any task. Be careful when paying online - do it safely - do not use instant cash transfer services to pay for your purchase.
If you’re buying something:
- Offers with photos from the internet - images can mislead you because they often fail to reflect the item's actual state.
- Stay alerted if someone sells a high-value item at an incredibly low price - that does not happen too often
- Ask questions, and keep asking until you’re satisfied.
- For your safety, make your purchase in a public place, or take someone with you to the seller’s house.
- Report any members who violate our Terms of Service to the Administrator so that we can ensure only trustworthy Sellers on this site.
If you're selling something:
- Don’t share personal information. Unless the item is too big to deliver somewhere other than your home.
- It’s best to accept cash, PayPal or Direct Bank Transfers - although Barter & Cryptocurrency trade can be done between Trusted Members.
Few other useful tips:
- Stay safe online by protecting your computer or mobile devices against different types of viruses.
- Stay safe online by protecting your account password.
- Stay safe online by avoiding spoof emails and websites.
Some Important Safety Tips
- Always inspect items before paying
- Beware of underpriced offers.
- Avoid to wire money online or advance payments.
- Pay for shipping only if you know the seller
- Be careful when buying high-value items.
- Never share your financial information to make or accept a purchase.
- Beware of unusual/suspicious requests