While the majority of people using online marketplaces are genuine, scams are unfortunately also a reality of online selling, so please look out for the warning signs. If you are in any doubt about a buyer, either contact us for advice or don't proceed. It's always better to be safe than sorry...

Here’s our advice for a happy and secure online selling experience: 

Make sure you receive payment

Don’t send items before you have received payment, and don’t be fooled by fake payment emails.

Be wary of requests to use money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram. These services aren't meant for sending money to someone you don't know and are commonly used by fraudsters.

Use secure payment methods, like Paypal, and check that the credit amount is showing as cleared funds on your balance before you dispatch your items.

Think of personal safety when meeting buyers

It’s best to keep things local by meeting face to face with buyers to exchange items and money at the same time. For your personal safety, meet in well lit public places and take someone with you, or at least tell a friend where you’re going. 

Don’t part with with your item too soon

Don’t hand over the item until you have cash in hand. Don’t accept partial payment. If the method of payment changes from your previous agreement, then walk away from the deal. If the buyer wants time to consider and comes back later, follow the same procedures. Don’t get careless the second time around.

Watch out for text scams & use our on-site/in-app messaging system

If you have chosen to be contactable by phone when placing your ad, be sure to watch out for text messages from potential scammers. They will likely encourage you to communicate outside of the Friday-Ad messaging system, for example via SMS, WhatsApp or email. If you do go along with these, be extra careful to avoid being conned and losing money.

It's safest to communicate via the Friday-Ad on-site and in-app messaging system. All messages go through a moderation process, which flags known scams and fraudulent users, and also creates a record in case you are ever a victim of fraud.