Safety Tips

Stay safe while buying and selling

Your Safety is Our Priority

Follow these guidelines to buy and sell safely on Zirkly

Meeting Safely

  • Meet in busy, public locations like shopping centers, cafes, or police stations
  • Meet during daylight hours when possible
  • Bring a friend or family member with you
  • Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back
  • Never invite strangers to your home or go to theirs
  • Don't meet in isolated or poorly lit areas

Payment Safety

  • Use secure payment methods with buyer/seller protection
  • Count cash carefully and check for counterfeits
  • Get a receipt for all transactions
  • Use bank transfer with tracking for high-value items
  • Never send money before seeing the item in person
  • Avoid wire transfers or gift cards - these are common scam methods
  • Don't share your banking details, passwords, or PINs

Inspecting Items

  • Thoroughly inspect items before purchasing
  • Test electronics and appliances before buying
  • Ask for proof of purchase or authenticity for expensive items
  • Check serial numbers and verify they're not stolen
  • Don't accept items that don't match the description
  • Don't buy items that seem too cheap - they might be stolen or fake

Communication Safety

  • Keep all communication on the Zirkly platform
  • Be professional and respectful in all messages
  • Report suspicious behavior immediately
  • Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, walk away
  • Don't share personal information like your address or phone number immediately
  • Don't click on suspicious links sent in messages
  • Don't respond to requests for payment outside Zirkly

Listing Safety

  • Use clear, accurate photos of your items
  • Write honest descriptions including any flaws
  • Set fair, competitive prices based on condition
  • Remove or blur identifying information from photos
  • Don't include personal information in photos or descriptions
  • Don't use stock photos - use your own photos only

Account Security

  • Use a strong, unique password for your account
  • Enable two-factor authentication if available
  • Log out from shared or public devices
  • Review your account activity regularly
  • Don't share your password with anyone
  • Don't use the same password across multiple sites

Common Scams to Watch Out For

  • Overpayment Scams: Buyer sends more money than needed and asks you to refund the difference. The original payment is fake or stolen.
  • Shipping Scams: Buyer asks you to ship before payment clears, or requests shipping to a different address than provided.
  • Fake Payment Confirmations: Scammer sends fake email receipts or payment confirmations that look official.
  • Too Good To Be True: Listings with extremely low prices for high-value items are usually scams or stolen goods.
  • Urgency Pressure: Scammers create false urgency to pressure you into making quick decisions without thinking.

See Something Suspicious?

Report suspicious listings, users, or behavior immediately. Our team reviews all reports within 24 hours.