Safety Tips

🛡️ General Safety Guidelines

Meet in Safe Locations

• Yard sales should take place at the seller's property during daylight hours
• If meeting for item pickup, choose well-lit, public areas
• Avoid isolated locations, especially after dark
• Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, leave

Bring a Friend

• Consider bringing someone with you, especially for high-value items
• Let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return
• Share the address and contact information with a trusted person

Communication Best Practices

• Use our platform's messaging system for initial contact
• Be cautious about sharing personal information too quickly
• Verify the seller's identity when possible
• Keep records of your communications

💰 Payment Safety

Recommended Payment Methods

• Cash: The safest and most common method for yard sales
• Verified digital payments: Apps like Venmo, Zelle (for established sellers)
• Bring exact change: Reduces need to handle large bills

Avoid These Payment Methods

• Wire transfers or money orders
• Checks from strangers
• Cryptocurrency
• Gift cards or prepaid cards
• Payments that require sharing banking information

🏠 For Sellers: Hosting Safe Yard Sales

Prepare Your Property

• Secure valuables and personal items inside your home
• Lock interior doors to private areas
• Keep pets safely contained
• Ensure good lighting and clear pathways
• Have a helper or family member present

Handle Money Safely

• Keep large bills and earnings secured
• Have a secure cash box or fanny pack
• Make regular deposits if sales are significant
• Don't display large amounts of cash openly

Screen Buyers

• Ask questions about their interest in items
• Be wary of buyers who seem more interested in your home than items
• Don't allow strangers inside your home
• Trust your instincts about potential buyers

🛒 For Buyers: Shopping Safely

Before You Go

• Research the area and seller if possible
• Check that the address is legitimate
• Confirm the sale is still happening
• Bring only the cash you plan to spend

At the Sale

• Park in a safe, visible location
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings
• Don't enter private areas of the home
• Inspect items carefully before purchasing
• Keep your vehicle locked

High-Value Items

• Verify authenticity when possible
• Bring someone knowledgeable for expensive purchases
• Test electronic items before buying
• Get receipts for valuable purchases

🚩 Red Flags to Watch For

Suspicious Seller Behavior

• Reluctance to provide address or specific location
• Pressure to buy immediately
• Requests for unusual payment methods
• Prices that seem too good to be true
• Poor communication or evasive answers

Suspicious Buyer Behavior

• More interest in your home than items for sale
• Asking about when you'll be away
• Trying to enter your home
• Bringing more people than expected
• Unusual questions about your family or schedule

📱 Digital Safety

• Use strong, unique passwords for your account
• Don't share account credentials
• Be cautious about clicking links in messages
• Report suspicious profiles or listings
• Log out of shared devices

🚨 What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Immediate Safety Concerns

• Remove yourself from the situation immediately
• Contact local law enforcement if you feel threatened
• Don't hesitate to call 911 in emergencies

Platform Issues

• Report suspicious users or listings immediately
• Contact us at safety@yardsaleplatform.com
• Block users who make you uncomfortable
• Document concerning interactions

📞 Emergency Contacts

• Emergency: 911
• Non-emergency police: Contact your local department
• Platform safety reports: safety@yardsaleplatform.com