Staying safe

Meet in public

Choose a busy place in daylight: a shopping centre, a coffee shop, or the parking lot of a police station. Bring someone along for expensive items. Never share your home address in a listing.

Check it before you pay

Switch it on, try it on, count the pieces. Pay only when you're happy, and only in person or by EFT once you've met.

Never pay a deposit to a stranger

A seller who wants money before you meet, or a buyer who "overpays" and asks for change, is almost always a scam. Sell Something never asks you to pay anyone through a link.

Keep the chat on Sell Something

Scammers try to move you to WhatsApp or email quickly. Keeping messages here means we can help if something goes wrong.

Watch for these signs

• A price far below what the item is worth.
• Pressure to decide now, or a story about being overseas.
• Requests for your ID number, banking PIN or one-time passwords.
• Proof-of-payment screenshots instead of money in your account. Check your banking app.

If something feels wrong

Walk away and report the listing using the Report link on its page. If you've been robbed or defrauded, report it to SAPS and keep the messages as evidence.