Safety Guide

Stay safe when buying and selling online

At Localista, keeping our users safe is our top priority. We carefully review every listing before it goes live and reject anything that looks suspicious. We also take every report seriously. However, buying and selling on any platform comes with some risk of dealing with dishonest people. To help you avoid it, we've put together this guide so you can make deals with confidence.

1

Buy and sell locally

We recommend keeping transactions within your city or area so you can check the item or service in person before agreeing to anything. This greatly reduces the risk of fraud because you can confirm it is real and get a better sense of who you are dealing with.

2

Don't pay upfront

Avoid sending deposits or transfers when someone asks for payment upfront based only on promises. If you cannot see the item or confirm the seller is legitimate, it is safer not to send any money.

3

Meet in a busy public place

When you meet to buy or sell something, choose busy public places like coffee shops or shopping centers. This helps you avoid scams and makes the meeting feel safer.

4

If something feels off, walk away

If you suspect someone is hiding information or behaving suspiciously, the safest choice is to walk away. Spotting warning signs early can help you avoid losing money and stay safe.

5

Ask for proof of purchase and ID

Before you finalize the deal, ask for proof that the item is legitimate, such as the original receipt or warranty. Also, check the other person's ID to make sure they are who they say they are and to reduce the risk of scams.

6

Ask for a video call

Before meeting in person, if you are not sure you trust the other person yet, ask for a quick video call. It can help you build trust, confirm they are who they say they are, and go over key details before you decide to meet.

Stay safe, trade smart

These simple tips will help you stay safe and feel confident when buying and selling on Localista.