Meeting in Person
- Always meet in a well-lit, public location
- Police station parking lots are ideal — most welcome this
- Bring a friend or family member when possible
- Tell someone you trust where you're going and when
- Meet during daylight hours when possible
- Trust your instincts — if something feels off, leave
Payments & Money
- Cash is safest for local in-person transactions
- Venmo/Cash App OK — but only for people you trust
- Never wire money or send gift cards as payment
- Verify cash is genuine before handing over your item
- For high-value items, meet at a bank for cash transactions
- Never accept overpayment — it's almost always a scam
Protecting Your Privacy
- Use our in-app messaging — don't share your phone number right away
- Never share your home address in public listings
- Use a P.O. Box or meetup location instead of your home
- Don't share financial account info for local sales
- Be cautious about sharing personal details with strangers
- Report any suspicious behavior to us immediately
Inspecting Items
- Inspect all items thoroughly before handing over payment
- Test electronics and appliances before purchase
- Ask to see serial numbers on high-value electronics
- Check vehicles for registration and title before buying
- Ask questions about item history and condition upfront
- All sales are final — inspect carefully
Messaging Safely
- Keep all communication through ValleySales messaging
- Be wary of buyers or sellers who rush you
- Legitimate sellers won't ask for your SSN or bank info
- Don't click on suspicious links sent via messages
- If asked to move to a different platform, be cautious
- Screenshot suspicious conversations before reporting
Vehicle Transactions
- Always run a VIN check before purchasing any vehicle
- Verify the title is clear and in the seller's name
- Have a licensed mechanic inspect the vehicle
- Complete the title transfer at an ADOT MVD office
- Never pay in full before paperwork is complete
- Be wary of sellers who can't meet in person
Common Scams to Watch Out For
Overpayment Scam
A buyer sends you a check or payment for more than the asking price and asks you to refund the difference. The original payment always bounces, leaving you out the item and your money.
"I'll Send a Shipper" Scam
A buyer claims they'll send a shipping company to pick up your item and asks for payment upfront or personal details. There is no shipper — it's a scheme to steal your item or money.
Fake Payment Confirmation
A scammer sends a fake screenshot or email showing they've paid. Always verify payments directly in your bank or payment app — never rely on screenshots provided by the other party.
Too-Good-To-Be-True Listings
Luxury items priced dramatically below market value are almost always scams. If a $1,200 iPhone is listed for $200 with no explanation, walk away.
Gift Card Payment Request
No legitimate seller or buyer will ever ask you to pay using iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, or any other gift cards. This is always a scam, no exceptions.
Recommended Safe Meetup Spots in Arizona
For your safety, consider completing transactions at a police station or other well-lit public location. Many Arizona police departments have designated "Safe Transaction Zones" in their parking lots.
🏛️ Suggested Safe Transaction Locations
- Your local police station parking lot
- Bank lobbies (great for large cash transactions)
- Coffee shops or fast food restaurants
- Grocery store parking lots
- Public libraries
- Shopping mall common areas
- Gas stations with visible surveillance
- Fire stations (many welcome this)
Report a Problem
If you encounter a suspicious listing, fraudulent activity, or feel unsafe, report it to us immediately. We take every report seriously.
Report an Issue