Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree provide a convenient way to connect with local buyers and quickly find new homes for your unwanted items.
However, it’s important to remain vigilant when dealing with someone you don’t know, and always be mindful of potential scams and risks.
Here’s our advice to protect yourself when buying and selling items online:
Bring a friend – If you are meeting a buyer/seller, have someone accompany you wherever possible. Also tell other people where you are going and what you are doing.
Meet in a safe place – Arrange to meet in a public place during daylight hours. Keep your phone turned on, and share your real-time location with a friend or family member via a dedicated app.
Avoid sharing personal information – Keep your personal information private. We’d also recommend saving the profile of the buyer and your conversation too in case you need to refer to it later.
Accept safe payment methods – Use legitimate online payment methods wherever possible. If accepting cash, be mindful of counterfeit money.
Trust your instincts – If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t proceed with the deal if something feels off, and report any suspicious behaviour directly to the platform.
The safety and wellbeing of our community members will always remain a top priority for us, and we are dedicated to ensuring that anyone who seeks to threaten, intimidate or cause harm is swiftly apprehended.
Earlier this week, two individuals were arrested and charged with kidnap and driving offences following an incident that occurred during a test drive of a vehicle listed for sale.
Any incidents or issues can be reported to police online or by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.