Avoid Scams & Fraud
General Safety Tips
- Deal locally — meet in person for transactions; avoid shipping or sending goods before payment.
- Cash only — accept cash for local transactions; never accept cashier checks, money orders, or wire transfers.
- Never wire funds — anyone asking you to wire money (Western Union, MoneyGram, etc.) is almost certainly a scammer.
- Trust your instincts — if something feels off, walk away from the deal.
Recognizing Scams
- Too-good-to-be-true prices or offers.
- Requests to pay or communicate outside the platform.
- Vague listings with stock photos and no real details.
- Pressure to act quickly or provide personal/financial info.
- Fake “payment protection” or “escrow” services.
Safe Meeting Tips
- Meet in a well-lit, public place (police station lobbies are ideal).
- Bring a friend or tell someone where you are going.
- Keep your phone charged and accessible.
- Do not invite strangers to your home or go to theirs.
Protecting Your Information
- Never share financial information (bank account, SSN, credit card).
- Use a disposable email address when possible.
- Be cautious with personal details in your listings.