Safe Buying / safe Selling

Safe Buying

To buy safely online you should always be aware of the signs of a fraudulent seller. Here are some things to look out for:

The price of an item is well under market value.

If the price seems too good to be true it probably is.

A seller's phone number is disconnected or incorrect.

It's a requirement that all classified adverts on Tradingpost contain a valid phone number. If there isn't a valid phone number email us  so we can look into it for you.

The seller insists on email contact only.

If you're unable to speak to the seller to arrange an inspection then you shouldn't proceed with the transaction.

The seller is located overseas.

Sellers who don't live in Australia aren't permitted to sell items on Tradingpost.

You're unable to inspect the item before making payment.

We recommend you always inspect expensive items such as cars and caravans before making a payment.

You've been asked to pay using a cash transfer service.

Never use cash transfer services such as Western Union. These methods of payment are prohibited on Tradingpost because your money can't be recovered if something goes wrong.

Always pay for items using a safe, traceable payment method that you're familiar with. Wire cash transfer services such as Western Union and Money Gram and transfers to overseas bank accounts are prohibited payment methods on Tradingpost. Never send money to other buyers and sellers using these services - once you've sent the funds they can't be retrieved if something goes wrong.

Safe Selling

To sell safely online you should be aware of the signs of a fraudulent buyer. Here are some things to look out for:

You're contacted by a buyer from overseas.

Buyers who aren't located in Australia aren't permitted to use Tradingpost. Report the buyer to us with the details

A buyer is offering more than the asking price.

Don't trust a buyer who offers to pay more than your asking price.

You receive an SMS/email enquiry from a buyer who's asking you to send them an email. The phone number that the SMS has come from is invalid.

Don't transact with buyers who can only be contacted via email.

You receive an email confirming a payment. Should you arrange shipping of the item?

If a buyer tells you that they've sent you funds via Paypal, confirm that the funds been received by logging into your Paypal account to check. Do not trust a confirmation email they've sent you as it could be fake. Also, be wary of buyers who want high value (car, boat) items shipped overseas and want you to pay the cost.

The buyer claims that they haven't received the item that you've sent.

Always send your items via registered post.

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