Safety Center

Scammers rely on urgency and pressure. Slow down whenever something feels rushed. Be cautious of deals that look too good to be true, requests to move the conversation off the platform, or anyone who asks you to pay before you have been able to verify the item or the seller.

• Never send money for an item you have not been able to confirm exists
• Be wary of sellers or buyers who refuse to answer reasonable questions
• Avoid unusual payment methods such as gift cards or wire transfers to strangers
• Treat pressure to "act now" as a warning sign, not an opportunity

Fake listings often reuse stock photos, describe items vaguely, or price well below market value to attract attention. Look closely before you commit.

• Ask for additional, original photos of the exact item
• Check that the description matches the images and the price is realistic
• Look at the seller’s profile, history, and how they communicate
• Be suspicious of duplicate listings and repeated, identical posts

• Meet in a public, well-lit place with other people around
• Bring a friend or let someone know where you are going and when
• Accept payment in a secure way and confirm it has cleared before handing over an item
• Trust your instincts — if a meeting feels wrong, walk away

• Choose a public meeting spot and inspect the item before paying
• Test electronics and check that the item matches the listing
• Do not feel pressured to complete a deal you are unsure about
• Avoid sharing your home address; meet on neutral ground

Use payment methods that offer a record and, where possible, protection. Confirm that a payment has genuinely arrived before releasing an item — screenshots can be faked. Be cautious of overpayment and refund scams, where a buyer "accidentally" pays too much and asks for the difference back.

• Share only the information needed to complete a trade
• Keep your home address, financial details, and identity documents private
• Use a strong, unique password and never reuse it elsewhere
• Keep conversations and payments on trusted, traceable channels

Phishing messages try to trick you into revealing your password or payment details, often by pretending to be Social Market HQ or a trusted service. We will never ask for your password. Do not click suspicious links, and always check that you are on the official site before signing in.

Reporting helps protect the whole community. If you encounter a scam, a fake listing, abuse, or impersonation, report it so we can investigate. You can report users and listings from the platform, and you can always reach our team through the Contact page.

Barter carries the same risks as buying and selling, plus a few of its own. Because no money may change hands, it can be harder to prove what was agreed.

• Confirm exactly what each side is offering, including any cash top-up
• Inspect both items in person before exchanging
• Keep a written record of what was agreed in your messages
• Do not complete a trade if the other item does not match its description

• Keep conversations within the platform so there is a record
• Be cautious about anyone who quickly pushes to move to another app
• Never share verification codes, passwords, or one-time codes with anyone
• Block and report users who harass you or make you uncomfortable