Safety Tips
Your safety is our priority. Follow these important guidelines to protect yourself and ensure secure transactions on DistressNow.
Core Safety Rules
Never Pay Upfront
This is the #1 rule. Never send money before seeing and inspecting the item in person. Legitimate sellers understand this. If someone insists on upfront payment, they're likely a scammer. Always meet in person to inspect before paying.
Meet in Public Locations
Always meet at safe, well-lit public places—shopping malls, markets, busy streets, or police stations. Avoid meeting at home addresses or isolated locations. Meeting during daylight hours is strongly recommended. Bring a trusted friend or family member if possible.
Inspect the Item Thoroughly
Examine the item closely. Check for defects, damage, or wear. For electronics, test all functions. Verify the brand and model match the listing. Don't be shy—good sellers expect this. If something doesn't match the description, negotiate or walk away.
Report Suspicious Behavior
If a seller or buyer seems untrustworthy, requests unusual payment methods, or pushes you to decide quickly, report them. Use DistressNow's reporting feature. Our team reviews reports and takes action against scammers to keep the community safe.
Red Flags to Watch For
- •Requests for payment before viewing: Legitimate sellers never ask for money upfront.
- •Pressure to decide quickly: Scammers rush you to prevent careful consideration.
- •Prices too good to be true: Extremely low prices often indicate scams or stolen goods.
- •Poor grammar or suspicious listings: Scammers often have poorly written listings with stock photos.
- •Unusual payment methods: Avoid wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or money orders.
- •Reluctance to meet in public: Scammers often avoid public meetups.
- •Stories about why they can't meet: "I'm out of the country" or "I'm sick" are common scam excuses.
Best Practices
For Buyers
- Trust your gut instinct
- Check seller reviews first
- Use cash for transactions
- Bring someone with you
- Test the item before paying
For Sellers
- Meet in busy public areas
- Don't share your home address early
- Count cash carefully
- Bring a friend when possible
- Be honest about condition
Report Suspicious Activity
If you encounter a scammer or suspicious behavior, report it immediately. Our team reviews all reports and takes action to protect our community.