10 rules for trading safely online
The overwhelming majority of marketplace deals go through without a hitch. Almost everyone who does run into trouble made one of the same handful of mistakes. These ten rules close them off.
1. Keep the conversation on tezsat
Messaging through the button on a listing leaves a record. If the other side immediately pushes you into a different app, there is a reason: nothing there can be traced.
2. See the item before you pay
If you can meet in person, do. If you genuinely cannot, ask for a video call — have the seller show the item live, read out the serial number and point the camera at the flaws.
3. Treat deposits and "I'll hold it for you" with suspicion
"Someone else is interested, send a deposit and I'll reserve it" is the single most common script. Do not send money before you have met.
4. A price that is too good has a reason
Forty to fifty per cent below market is almost always stolen goods, a counterfeit, or a plain scam. Open other listings in the same category and learn the real range first.
5. Choose the meeting place yourself
Busy, well-lit, covered by cameras — a shopping centre, outside a bank, a metro exit. Do not go to an empty address after dark.
6. Do not go alone for expensive deals
For a car, a phone or anything else with a serious price tag, take someone with you.
7. Check the paperwork
Vehicle documents, a phone's IMEI, a warranty card. An item with no paperwork is often an item that cannot have paperwork.
8. Count cash on the spot
If you are taking a bank transfer, confirm it in your own banking app. A screenshot from the sender proves nothing.
9. Read the profile
Registration date, other listings, rating. A profile created today, with one listing and photos lifted from the internet, is a clear signal.
10. If something feels wrong, stop
No discount is worth losing the money. Report a suspicious listing — the team reviews reports and removes what needs removing.
Selling? Good photos and an honest description keep scam buyers away too. There is a separate guide for that: How to write a listing that sells.