Safety tips

Last updated October 16, 2026

Most people here are neighbors doing ordinary trades. A few habits keep it that way.

Meeting up

• Meet in a public, busy place in daylight. Many police stations have a marked "safe exchange" spot in the lobby or parking lot.
• Bring someone along, or tell a friend where you're going and when you'll be back.
• For large items that need a home pickup, have someone else there, and move the item to a garage or porch beforehand.

Paying and getting paid

• Look at the item before money changes hands. Cash in person is simplest.
• Never pay a deposit to "hold" an item, rental or pet you haven't seen.
• Don't accept checks, especially for more than the price. "I'll overpay, just send back the difference" is always a scam.
• Be wary of buyers who want to pay through gift cards, wire transfers or crypto, or who say a "mover" or "agent" will pick up.

Codes and accounts

• Never share a code sent to your phone, even if someone says it's to "verify you're real". It's how scammers take over phone numbers and accounts.
• Keep the conversation in Messages here until you meet. Your email stays private, and we can act on reports.

Your location

• When you post, "an approximate area" is the default for a reason. Use "the exact spot" only for public places.
• We remove location data from photos, but check that a photo doesn't show your house number or street sign.

If something feels off

Walk away and use "Report this listing". If you're in danger or have been the victim of a crime, call 911 or your local police.