Scam Shield · Look out for each other
Good finds.
Eyes open.
Local trading works best with a little know-how and a healthy second look. Here’s what to check before a bargain becomes a headache.
Meet the actual item.
Check its condition, model and included parts. Ask for a fresh photo if something is unclear; an attractive ad is not proof of what will arrive.
Your codes. Yours alone.
Another buyer or seller doesn’t need a login code, bank password or one-time passcode. Keep those out of messages, reports and photographs.
Check the money yourself.
A screenshot or email is not confirmation of payment. Check your own bank or payment app, and be cautious about deposits, overpayments and fees to receive money.
Make a sensible handover plan.
Agree a suitable public meeting place and a time that works for both of you. Consider taking someone along. Don’t put a private collection address in the public ad.
Keep the story together.
Use your private conversation to ask questions and arrange collection. Share contact details only when you choose. You can block replies and report a particular message.
A nudge. A human second look.
Scam Shield highlights patterns worth checking. It can miss things or be mistaken. A warning doesn’t mean someone is a scammer, and no warning doesn’t mean an item or person has been verified.
Something doesn’t add up?
Tell us. We’ll take a look.
Use “Report this ad” on a listing, “Report this request” on a public Wanted request, or “Report message” beside a message from the other person. Choose a concern and add any useful context. Keep passwords, security codes and bank details out of your notes.
A message report shares that one message and your notes with moderators, not the whole conversation. Your identity and report details aren’t shared with the other person. You can follow the review in your account.
Reports don’t automatically ban accounts or remove ads. Administrators can pause a reported listing, Wanted request or conversation and lift the restriction after further review.
Automatic checks use warning rules and AI-assisted text checks. Obvious contact details and identifier-like numbers are masked before the AI request; no complete chat history, account records or private floor prices are sent. Checks don’t open links. Read how we handle your information or contact us to question a warning or moderation decision.