Safety rules

Face to Face is Best

  • Where possible, meet face to face to see the item and exchange payment.
  • When meeting a stranger, always ensure there is someone else with you or meet in a public place.
  • Don't take large amounts of cash with you when meeting someone you don't know.

Marketplace Pin Does Not Handle Payment

  • Marketplace Pin do not handle any payments for transactions on the site and therefore cannot guarantee any payments made. If you receive a message asking you to make a payment via Marketplace Pin or claiming that Marketplace Pin will protect your payment it will be fake. Please report it to us immediately.

Selling

  • Unless you are paid in cash, always wait for payment to clear before handing over goods. Remember, in some situations (particularly overseas payments) a payment could still be withdrawn by the bank after it has cleared. Talk to your bank for more information on this.
  • If you are being paid cash, study the notes for signs of counterfeit by feeling the paper, studying the printing, checking the watermark and the metallic thread.
  • If you are sending an item through the post, always obtain proof of posting and ensure the parcel is adequately insured against loss up to the full value of the item.
  • If you are receiving money through PayPal, ensure you meet the requirements of their seller protection scheme. This includes retaining proof of delivery that can be tracked online.
  • If you are receiving money through PayPal or other online payment service, don't rely on an email confirmation that you have received funds as this may have been faked. Always log into your account to confirm this by typing the address directly into your browser (don't follow links in the email). Also note that PayPal does NOT hold funds pending delivery of an item.

Buying

  • If you make a payment before receiving an item, you risk losing that money if the item never arrives or is not as described.
  • If you have to make payment before receiving the item, consider paying via PayPal who will often provide compensation should you not receive the item or if it is significantly not as described.
  • If you make a payment to someone by crediting their bank account via Internet banking or BACS, that payment cannot later be reversed.
  • It pays to have an HPI check when purchasing a second hand vehicle. This check will help you determine whether a car has been clocked, stolen or is a repaired insurance write off.
  • Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

If you see any suspicious activity on Marketplace Pin, please report it to us immediately.