Safety Tips
Safety Tips
Last Updated: August 13, 2026
WantedStuff.com is designed to help people connect with others who may have the items, services or assistance they are looking for.
While we take reasonable steps to maintain a safe marketplace, you are responsible for your own safety and decisions when dealing with other users.
Please use common sense and follow these recommendations.
1. Keep Communication on WantedStuff.com
Use the WantedStuff.com internal messaging system when communicating with other users.
Do not feel pressured to provide your:
Phone number
Personal email address
Home address
Social media accounts
Other personal contact information
If someone immediately asks you to move the conversation away from WantedStuff.com, be cautious.
2. Never Send Money Without Checking First
Be particularly careful when someone contacts you claiming they have the item you're looking for.
Do not send money simply because someone says they have the item.
Before paying:
Verify the person's identity where appropriate.
Confirm the item actually exists.
Ask questions about the item.
Request additional photographs where appropriate.
Verify the condition and authenticity.
Confirm the agreed price.
Make sure you understand how and when the item will be delivered or collected.
If possible, inspect the item before making payment.
3. Be Careful With Payment Methods
Be cautious if someone insists on:
Cryptocurrency
Gift cards
Wire transfers
Money transfers
Cash sent in advance
Unusual payment methods
Payments to someone other than the person you're dealing with
These methods can make it difficult or impossible to recover your money.
For transactions where appropriate, use a reputable payment method that provides suitable transaction records and protections.
4. Meet in a Safe Location
If you arrange to meet another user:
Meet during daylight where practical.
Choose a busy public location.
Consider meeting at a police-station safe exchange location where available.
Take someone with you when appropriate.
Tell a friend or family member where you are going.
Keep your phone with you.
Avoid isolated locations.
For expensive or high-value items, consider using an appropriate secure location.
5. Don't Invite Strangers to Your Home
Whenever practical, avoid providing your home address to someone you have met through an online marketplace.
If an item is too large to transport and a home visit is unavoidable, consider:
Having another person present.
Telling someone when the person is arriving.
Keeping valuables and unrelated personal property secure.
Not allowing access to areas of your home that aren't necessary.
6. Inspect Items Carefully
Before completing a transaction, check the item carefully.
Depending on the item, check:
Condition
Serial numbers
Model numbers
Identification numbers
Ownership documents
Receipts or other documentation
Authenticity
Safety condition
Whether the item has been recalled
Whether the item is legal to possess or purchase in your location
For vehicles, machinery, electronics and other expensive goods, consider having a qualified person inspect the item before purchase.
7. Be Careful With High-Value Items
Extra caution should be used when dealing with expensive items such as:
Vehicles
Boats
Motorcycles
Heavy equipment
Machinery
Collectables
Jewellery
Electronics
Rare or high-value items
Don't allow the excitement of finding a hard-to-find item to pressure you into making a rushed decision.
8. Watch for Common Scam Warning Signs
Be cautious if someone:
Offers an item without being able to provide reasonable details.
Refuses to answer basic questions.
Wants payment before you have verified the item.
Pressures you to act immediately.
Claims to be unable to communicate through WantedStuff.com.
Sends suspicious payment links.
Sends unexpected attachments.
Requests gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Offers to send a cheque for more than the agreed amount.
Asks you to send money back after receiving a payment.
Claims a courier or third party will collect an item.
Provides excuses for why they cannot meet or verify the item.
If something doesn't feel right, walk away.
9. Beware of Fake Payment Notifications
Do not rely solely on an email, text message or screenshot claiming that a payment has been made.
Check the payment directly through the relevant payment service or your financial institution.
Scammers may create convincing fake payment confirmations.
10. Don't Click Suspicious Links
Be cautious if another user sends you a link and asks you to:
Log into your bank account.
Enter your credit-card details.
Verify your identity.
Claim a payment.
Pay a delivery fee.
Download unknown software.
Complete an unexpected form.
If you are unsure about a link, don't open it.
11. Protect Your Account
Use a strong, unique password for your WantedStuff.com account.
Don't share your password with anyone.
If you use Google Login, keep your Google account secure and use the security features provided by Google.
If you believe someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password and contact WantedStuff.com.
12. Trust Your Instincts
You don't have to complete a transaction simply because you have started communicating with someone.
If a person makes you uncomfortable, pressures you, refuses reasonable verification or behaves suspiciously:
Stop communicating and walk away.
13. Report Suspicious Activity
If you encounter:
A scam
Fraud
Harassment
Suspicious behaviour
Prohibited goods
Fake advertisements
Attempts to obtain personal information
Attempts to bypass WantedStuff.com's rules
please use the Report Listing feature where available or contact WantedStuff.com.
Providing useful information about the problem helps us investigate and protect other users.
14. WantedStuff.com Is Not a Party to Transactions
WantedStuff.com provides a platform for people to connect.
We do not guarantee:
The identity of users.
The accuracy of advertisements.
The existence of an item.
The condition of an item.
The authenticity of an item.
The legality of an item.
That a transaction will occur.
That payment will be made.
That a transaction will be completed successfully.
Users are responsible for conducting their own checks before entering into a transaction.
15. If You Believe You Have Been Scammed
If you believe you have been the victim of fraud:
Act quickly.
Depending on the circumstances, you should consider:
Contacting your bank or payment provider immediately.
Preserving messages, advertisements, receipts and payment records.
Reporting the relevant WantedStuff.com advertisement or user.
Reporting suspected criminal activity to the appropriate law-enforcement authority in your area.
Changing passwords if you believe your account information has been compromised.
16. Final Safety Reminder
If a deal seems too good to be true, take a step back and investigate before proceeding.
Take your time. Ask questions. Verify the person and the item. Use safe payment methods. Meet safely.
Your safety and security should always come before completing a transaction.
Thank You
The Team @ Wantedstuff