Safety Tips

Most buyers and sellers are honest neighbors. These habits keep it that way.

When you meet

• Meet in daylight at a busy public place, like a shopping center parking lot.
• Bring a friend, especially for big items or large amounts of money.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
• For items at home, move them to the garage or driveway so buyers do not need to come inside.

When you pay or get paid

• Cash in person is safest for small sales.
• Never wire money, send gift cards, or pay with cryptocurrency.
• Never accept a check for more than the price and send back the difference. That is always a scam.
• Never give out bank details, your Social Security number, or a code sent to your phone.

Warning signs

• The buyer or seller is “out of town” and wants to use a shipping agent.
• A price that seems too good to be true.
• Pressure to decide right now.

See something suspicious? Use the Report link on the ad, or contact us. If you have lost money, call your local police.