Safe trading tips

Most deals go smoothly. These habits keep it that way.

Meet safely

• Meet in a busy public place, in daylight. A shopping centre or a busy street is better than a house.
• Bring someone with you, or tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you’ll be back.
• If you are under 18, tell an adult at home before you go.
• Keep your home address and phone number private until you trust the person. You can use chat first.

Check before you pay

• Look at the item properly before you pay. Try it, turn it on, check the size.
• Never send money for something you haven’t seen, and never pay a deposit to a stranger.
• Be careful with prices that seem too good to be true, and with anyone in a hurry.
• Pay cash in person, or use a method that you trust and can trace.

If something feels wrong

• Walk away. You don’t owe anyone a sale.
• Tap Report on the listing, the person or the chat, and we’ll look at it.
• If you are in danger, or something illegal happened, call the police on 999.

Sellers: see what you can’t sell on the prohibited items page.