How do I stay safe while using Gumtree?

While most individuals who use Gumtree have success with buying, selling, renting or connecting with others, from time to time we do receive reports of people attempting to scam or defraud our users. We have found that one of the best ways to address this problem is to ensure that all transactions take place locally and in-person. Remember that Gumtree is a local classifieds web site and Ads are not reviewed before they go live on the site.

Buying & Selling - top tips for staying safe:

1. When buying or selling, you should meet in-person to see the item and exchange money. The purpose of the Gumtree "For Sale" category is to encourage face-to-face, local, trading. For personal ease and safety, always ensure you take someone with you. If you're answering a home service ad, ask the poster to produce identity and proof of qualification before inviting them into your home.
2. Never send your item before receiving the money. This includes never mailing a cheque or using payment services like Bidpay, Western Union or Money Gram to pay for items found on Gumtree.
3. Never send or wire money to sellers or buyers. This includes never mailing a cheque or using payment services like Bidpay, Western Union or Money Gram to pay for items found on Gumtree. It is our belief that these forms of funds transfer are favoured by fraudsters.
4. Gumtree doesn't offer any sort of buyer protection / payment programs. Any emails you receive that talk about such systems are scams, even if they may have the Gumtree logo. If you receive any emails promoting these services, please report it to us.
5. Gumtree doesn't offer any sort of Live Chat Support. If you receive any emails containing a Live Chat link, please report it to us.
6. Please also take special care when buying expensive items like mobile phones, laptops, plasma TVs, airline tickets and even tickets for shows/gigs. When buying airline tickets we suggest you take the seller's name and ticket number, check the ticket exists and take responsibility yourself for changing the names.
7. Never provide your personal or banking information (e.g. credit card number) to others over the Internet.
8. Make yourself aware of common scams and fraud. Do not believe the promise of large sums of money for your help in any task.
9. Report it to us any attempted fraud or suspicious emails, ads, or other activity by community members. In case of fraud or illegal activity, we also recommend that you report it to the Police.
10. Use common sense. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.