Most people on WorldAds are honest. A small number are not. These habits protect you from nearly every scam we see.
Meeting in person
- Meet in a busy public place in daylight. Many police stations offer a safe exchange area.
- Take someone with you, especially for higher-value items.
- Tell somebody where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Inspect the item properly before any money changes hands.
- For a vehicle, check the documents match the seller and the vehicle identification number.
Paying and being paid
- Cash in person, or a bank transfer only once you have the item, is safest.
- Never pay a deposit for something you have not seen.
- Never send money by gift card, cryptocurrency or a money transfer service to a stranger. These are untraceable and are the scammeru2019s preferred method.
- If a buyer u201caccidentallyu201d overpays and asks you to refund the difference, it is a scam. The original payment will be reversed.
Warning signs
- The price is far below market value.
- The seller cannot meet and insists on shipping an item you have not seen.
- You are asked to move the conversation off-site immediately.
- You are asked for bank details, copies of identity documents or a verification code.
- A job advert asks you to pay for training, equipment or a background check.
- A landlord will not let you view a property before taking a holding deposit.
Protecting your information
Use the on-site messaging system. It keeps your email address and phone number private. Never share a one-time passcode with anyone, whatever reason they give you.
Reporting a problem
Every listing has a report link. Reports go straight to our moderation team and we review them quickly. If you have lost money, report it to your local police and to your bank immediately.