Staying safe

Most people here are genuine. The few who aren't target newcomers, because newcomers are under pressure and don't yet know how things normally work. These are the patterns worth knowing.

Rooms and housing

• Never send money before you have seen the place in person. Not a deposit, not a holding fee, not a month's rent. This is the single most common scam and the most expensive one.
• Be suspicious of anyone who is "abroad" and can't show you round, or who wants to post you the keys.
• Don't send copies of your passport, visa or BRP to someone you haven't met.
• Ask to see the room while other tenants are in. A genuine house share has no reason to refuse.
• Get the agreement in writing before any money moves. In England your deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme.

Jobs

• A genuine employer never charges you. Not for training, a uniform, a DBS check, a "registration fee" or a visa.
• Be wary of any job offered entirely over WhatsApp with no interview and unusually high pay.
• Never hand over your bank details until you have a signed contract from a company you have checked exists.
• If you're asked to receive money into your account and pass it on, that's money laundering. Walk away — people get prosecuted for this.
• Check the employer at Companies House. It's free.

Buying, selling and giveaways

• Meet in a public place in daylight where you can. Bring someone if you can.
• For collections from a home, tell someone where you're going.
• Pay in person, on collection. Never transfer money in advance for second-hand goods.
• Check electrical items work before you take them away.

Payment methods that should stop you

If someone asks for a bank transfer to hold something, gift cards, cryptocurrency, Western Union or MoneyGram, it is almost certainly a scam. These methods are chosen precisely because the money can't be recovered.

Report it

Every listing has a 🚨 Looks like a scam button. Use it — it hides the listing immediately and sends it to us. If you've lost money, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.