Classified ads safety tips: avoid scams and meet safely
Common scams to recognize
| Scam | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Overpayment | A buyer sends more than the price and asks you to refund the difference |
| Verification code | Someone asks you to read back a code sent to your phone, to "prove you are real" |
| Shipping only | A distant buyer wants you to ship before payment clears, or to use their shipper |
| Fake payment notice | An email that looks like a payment confirmation but is not from the real service |
| Too good to be true | A rental or item far below market price, with pressure to pay a deposit now |
Never share verification codes, never refund an overpayment and never pay a deposit for something you have not seen.
Meeting safely
- Meet in a busy public place during the day. Many police stations offer safe exchange spots.
- Bring a friend, or tell someone where you are going.
- For large items at home, move them to a garage or porch and keep others nearby.
- Trust your instincts and leave if something feels wrong.
Safe payments
Cash is simple for local sales. If you use a payment app, confirm the money has arrived in your account, not just in an email. Be cautious with checks from strangers.
Protect your privacy
Use the site's messaging system, do not post your home address and consider a separate phone number for listings.
Report problems
Report scams to the site, and to the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC's consumer advice site explains current scams and how to report them.
Sources and further reading
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