When buying or selling online, particularly for vehicles, current model phones or expensive items, be aware of online safety advice and plan the exchange.
Look at the buyer/seller profile and previous sales reviews before the exchange. Follow online safety advice from sources such as the Australian Cyber Security Centre.when selling sought after and expensive items such as vehicles and current model phones. These items are linked to increasing reports where the seller becomes a victim of theft or robbery. Remember that if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
Follow these tips to stay safe during an exchange.
Check them out
- Look into the buyer/seller before meeting up.
- Google them, look at their marketplace profile. Have they had previous sales? Do they have other items for sale? Any reviews?
- Social media pages that have recently been created or have few followers may indicate they’re fake.
- When you do meet, take note of the person’s appearance, including their vehicle and the vehicle’s registration number.
- If selling a vehicle and the sale progresses to a test drive, ask to see buyer identification, e.g. driver’s licence, and consider taking a photograph of it.
Location
- Your personal safety is your priority when arranging to meet up.
- Don’t meet up in isolated locations.
- Consider meeting in a public area during daylight hours where CCTV is in use and people are around.
- Alternatively, give your street name only, ask them to message when they are there and then provide a street number/go outside with the item.
- If you must meet at your house, try to avoid allowing entry into your home.
- Have the item ready by the front door or outside.
- If outside, try to have it in a location that is not visible when the buyer comes to the front door but is easy to get to without taking them through the house or into the shed where other valuables are on show.
Don’t be alone
- If possible, choose a time when someone trusted can go with you or be present at home.
- If you can’t avoid being alone, text a trusted person the details of the buyer like their name and profile picture and what time you are expecting them. Check back in once the buyer has left.
Instinct
- Consider the surroundings and trust your instincts.
- If you feel uncomfortable with any aspect of the sale or purchase, cancel the meet up. It’s OK to cancel! You don’t have to continue.
- Remember that if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
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