Safety Tips

Stay safe, protect yourself and avoid scams when buying and selling.

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.

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Core Safety Rules

Never Pay Upfront

Meet in Public Locations

Inspect the Item Thoroughly

Report Suspicious Behavior

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.

Core Safety Rules

Never Pay Upfront

Meet in Public Locations

Inspect the Item Thoroughly

Report Suspicious Behavior

Red Flags to Watch For

Best Practices

For Buyers

For Sellers

Report Suspicious Activity

Take DistressNow anywhere

Core Safety Rules

Never Pay Upfront

Meet in Public Locations

Inspect the Item Thoroughly

Report Suspicious Behavior

Red Flags to Watch For

Best Practices

For Buyers

For Sellers

Report Suspicious Activity