Thanks to the Internet, it’s easier than ever to buy and sell items locally. You can find all sorts of great deals on used furniture, electronics and more, as well as make some money on the side. But, the world of Craigslist, OfferUp and LetGo can be a scary place if you’re not careful. Here are some tips to stay safe, while making a little money or getting a good deal online.
Meet in a public place and bring a buddy.
Starbucks or Target parking lots are great places to meet for a transaction because they are usually busy and there are plenty of security cameras. Furthermore, if the item is of significant value, arrange to meet at a bank or even a police station parking lot for an extra level of security. Also, make sure that you always bring a buddy or at least tell a friend or family member that you are meeting someone for a transaction. If the item is too large to bring to a public place and you must meet at your home, move it to your garage or driveway so that the buyer doesn’t have to come inside.
Do your research.
Before meeting in person, do some research on social media. If the person doesn’t have social media, you could even ask them for proof of identity, such as their driver’s license. It’s also a good idea to talk to the person on the phone before meeting. You can usually get a pretty good idea about someone just from a short phone conversation.
Try selling on Facebook.
Unlike Craigslist, where people can be completely anonymous, Facebook is more public. On Facebook, it is easier to verify someone’s identity and research who you are doing business with. Facebook also has a Marketplace page where you can search and browse items for sale in your area and you can also post your own ads.
Be cautious of accepting checks.
The most reliable way of accepting a payment when selling something online is cash. If the item is of significant value, a cashier’s check should also suffice. To avoid confusion down the road, make it clear in your ad and in your conversations with a potential buyer that you will only accept cash. Mobile payments apps such as Venmo or PayPal are also a safer payment option.
Trust your gut.
Above all else, always trust your instincts and stay alert. At any point in the buying or selling process, if something seems fishy, remove yourself from the situation and back out of the transaction immediately. Your safety is worth far more than any item you are buying or selling online.
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FAQs
Communicate using the application or website's messaging system, and do not share personal information with other users. • Look for verified users who already have a strong rating. • Meet at a well-lit and public place, like a grocery store, shopping mall, or police station.
How to stay safe selling online? ›
Protect your personal information
When dealing with strangers online, it's crucial that you keep your personal information personal. Never share your account information or exact location with a potential buyer. If a potential buyer is asking for unnecessary personal information, they're likely up to no good.
How to make internet selling safe? ›
Stick to the facts of the item being sold. Do not put any information that identifies you personally if it's not strictly necessary. Keep in mind that every piece of information you post may be used for other purposes than you intended. Limit your information to limit your risk.
What is the most secure way to sell online? ›
Selling via a marketplace or auction site
Selling goods through an established marketplace, such as Amazon, eBay, or Etsy, is perhaps one of the easiest and most secure methods available to us all.
What are three three ways to make safe online purchases? ›
The next time you buy online, follow these tips to protect yourself from falling victim to fraud or theft.
- Shop from secure websites only. ...
- Create a unique username and password for each account you have. ...
- Never provide your social security number. ...
- Never click on links or images within a promotional email.
Selling online offers numerous advantages, including a global reach, lower overhead costs, and 24/7 availability. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges, such as intense competition, limited personal interaction, security risks, and logistical complexities.
What are 5 ways to stay safe on the Internet? ›
Cybersecurity 101: 7 Basic Internet Safety Tips
- Protect Your Personal Information With Strong Passwords. ...
- Keep Personal Information Private. ...
- Make Sure Your Devices Are Secure. ...
- Pay Attention to Software Updates. ...
- Be Careful About Wifi. ...
- Set Up Two-Factor Authentication. ...
- Back Up Your Personal Data.
Always place orders from a secure connection
If you're shopping online while using a wireless network, it needs to be encrypted so someone who is lurking outside the house can't collect your information. Avoid making any financial transactions when using a public network, as you may not know if it's compromised.
How to safely buy something from someone online? ›
Use safer payment methods
Buy from a seller or site that accepts safer payment methods like credit cards, which have legal protections if something goes wrong with the transaction or delivery, or a secure online payment system that protects buyers in case there is a problem.
How can I buy and sell online without getting scammed? ›
Selling Or Buying Something Online? Four Ways To Avoid Scams
- Check Their Facebook Profile. “One of the initial steps to ensure a secure transaction on Facebook Marketplace is to scrutinize the seller's profile. ...
- Never Pay in Advance. ...
- Use a Secure Payment Method. ...
- Do a Triple Check.
These are the safest payment methods
- Credit cards. Credit cards remain one of the safest options for online purchases. ...
- PayPal. For peer-to-peer transactions or when shopping on sites that accept it, PayPal is a wise choice. ...
- Apple Pay/Google Pay. ...
- Gift cards.
Tips for selling online
- Invest in SEO.
- Partner with influencers.
- Start an email list.
- Offer buy now, pay later options.
- Use high-quality images and descriptions.
- Offer excellent customer service.
- Use social proof.
- Create a content marketing strategy.
Internet security tips — for safer online shopping
- Search the internet safely. ...
- Type the URL into the address bar. ...
- Get a temporary credit card. ...
- Dedicate a computer to online banking and shopping. ...
- Use a dedicated email address. ...
- Manage and protect your online passwords. ...
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi to log in to online accounts.
Consumer should be always take some caution at the time of goods purchase to check mrp, quantity level, manufacture date and expiry date, authentication body, and most of important thing to take original bill.
How safe are online transactions and what precautions should you take when shopping online? ›
How to Shop Safely Online
- Always place orders from a secure connection. ...
- Know the merchant and their reputation. ...
- Avoid offers that seem “too good to be true” ...
- If you are buying a Gift Card, read the Terms and Conditions. ...
- Don't use an e-store that requires more information than necessary to make the sale.
Top 20 tips for safe online shopping
- Stick to trusted retailers. Always make sure to research a website before making a purchase. ...
- Check site security. ...
- Protect your personal information. ...
- Stay protected on public Wi-Fi. ...
- Create strong passwords. ...
- Use online payment services. ...
- Be wary of fraudulent deals. ...
- Monitor your statements.
