The golden rules
Meet in public
Choose a busy place such as a mall, cafe or building lobby. Go in daylight if you can.
Check before you pay
See the item, test it and ask questions. Never pay for something you have not seen.
Keep chats on the site
Use Message seller first. Move to calls or WhatsApp only when you feel comfortable.
If you are buying
- Compare the price with similar listings. If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
- Ask for extra photos or a short video of the item.
- Bring a friend to larger or expensive purchases.
- Check cars carefully: documents, service history and a test drive.
- Pay when you receive the item, preferably in cash or by an instant transfer you can check.
If you are selling
- Keep your home address private. Meet somewhere public when you can.
- Check the payment has arrived in your account before handing over the item.
- Be careful with cheques and bank transfer screenshots. Screenshots can be faked.
- Move heavy items with someone else present.
- Mark the listing as sold as soon as it is gone.
Red flags
Walk away, and report the listing, if someone:
Asks you to pay first
Deposits, "shipping fees" or "holding fees" before you have seen the item.
Rushes you
Says "many buyers waiting" or pushes you to decide right now.
Will not meet or show the item
Refuses a viewing, a video or any proof the item exists.
Sends links or codes
Asks you to click a link, share a one-time code or log in somewhere.
Pays too much
Offers more than the price, then asks you to send back the difference.
Asks for personal details
Wants your ID, bank card details or passwords. We will never ask for these either.
In an emergency
If you feel unsafe or a crime has happened, call UAE police on 999. If you have been scammed, report it to the police as well.
Spotted a suspicious listing or message? Use the Report button on the listing, or contact us. See what is not allowed in our rules.