Safety Tips

Meeting in Person

• Meet in a public, well-lit location
• Bring a friend or family member when possible
• Tell someone where you're going and when
• Meet during daylight hours
• Consider meeting at a police station "safe exchange zone"

Payment Safety

• Cash is the safest option for in-person transactions
• Be cautious of overpayment scams (fake checks)
• Never wire money to someone you don't know
• Use secure payment methods for shipped items
• Verify payment before handing over items

Red Flags to Watch For

• Prices that seem too good to be true
• Sellers who refuse to meet in person
• Requests for unusual payment methods
• Pressure to complete transaction quickly
• Poor communication or evasive answers
• Requests for personal financial information

Protect Your Privacy

• Don't share your home address until necessary
• Use our messaging system instead of personal email
• Be cautious about sharing phone numbers
• Remove metadata from photos before uploading
• Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, walk away

Report Suspicious Activity

If you encounter suspicious behavior or believe you've been scammed, please:

• Report the user or listing on Yayalist
• Contact local law enforcement
• Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov