Safe Trading Tips
Search Mart connects buyers and sellers across the UK. Follow these guidelines to keep every transaction safe.
Essential safety guidelines
Always meet in a safe public place
Choose a busy, well-lit location such as a supermarket car park, shopping centre, or police station. Never invite strangers to your home or agree to meet somewhere isolated.
Inspect the item before paying
Never pay for an item before you have seen and checked it in person. If a seller refuses to let you inspect the goods, walk away.
Use secure payment methods
Pay by cash or a traceable method such as bank transfer only once you are satisfied with the item. Avoid gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers — these are common scam payment methods.
Keep all communication on Search Mart
Use our built-in messaging system so there is a record of all conversations. Be wary of sellers who immediately ask to move to WhatsApp, Telegram, or email.
If it looks too good to be true, it probably is
Prices significantly below market value, sellers who claim to be abroad, or urgent pressure to buy quickly are all common warning signs of fraud.
Tell someone where you are going
Let a friend or family member know the time, location, and details of who you are meeting. Consider taking someone with you for high-value transactions.
Check the seller's profile
Review the seller's rating, reviews, and how long they have been on Search Mart. A brand-new account with no reviews selling a high-value item warrants extra caution.
Protect your personal information
Never share your bank details, passwords, or personal identification documents with a buyer or seller. Search Mart will never ask for this information.
Common scam warning signs
Seller asks you to pay via gift cards, iTunes vouchers, or cryptocurrency
Price is dramatically lower than similar listings
Seller claims to be overseas and cannot meet in person
Seller pressures you to act quickly or pay a deposit immediately
Listing contains a website link or asks you to visit an external site
Seller asks for your bank details or personal documents upfront
Photos look professionally taken or appear to be stock images
Seller refuses to answer specific questions about the item
Spotted something suspicious?
If you come across a listing that looks fraudulent or breaks our rules, please report it immediately. Our team reviews every report.