Stay Safe

Buying

ADvantage helps you find local sellers which reduces the distance you have to travel to buy your item's, but you are still going to meet a stranger and you should take precautions for your own safety. Here are some tips and advice.

If you are unsure of the seller when you make contact with them, for example they ask you personal questions and don't seem to be genuinely interested in you as a buyer then you can either say you have changed your mind about the item or take someone with you
When you arrange to go and view a potential purchase, try not to go there alone. If there is not someone available to go with you, then at least give the details of where you are going to a friend or relative just in case.
Take a mobile phone inside with you and leave it switched on.

Selling

ADvantage would advise in most instances for buyers to come to your house to view
If you are unsure about the buyer you have spoken to then it may be advisable to meet in a mutual location

Selling your car - this should be straightforward, but it's always sensible to play it safe:

Don't let buyers go for a test drive on their own and without adequate insurance cover
Don't leave your house unlocked when you go for a test drive

Internet Sales, Shipping Fee or Cashback fraud.
Please be aware that there is currently an internet fraud affecting classified advertisers across the internet, if you receive an offer much higher than the asking price of your item, then you may have been targeted.

The concept of the scam is to offer you, the seller, a much higher price than you are actually asking, the buyer will always live abroad or be on a business trip in Africa, Holland or similar.
In all cases you will be asked to deal with the buyer's shipping agent, partner or friend who lives in this country which they possibly owe money too. They will send a cheque for at least double the cost and then request the excess funds refunded back to them. Obviously the cheque is a forgery which by a loophole in the law then can leave you the seller liable for these funds.

If you experience a situation similar to above please:

Cease all communication with these people
Do not any under any circumstances give them any bank, credit card or other personal details
If ADvantage's website feature 'Make Me An Offer' has been used, please contact support@Advantage-ads.co.uk or call 0870 060 1176 to have the offer removed
Advice from the Police on this and other frauds can be found on the Metropolitan Police website

Dating
Always arrange meetings in public places, never in your own home. Do not reveal your full name, address or home telephone number until you are sure that you wish to continue with the relationship.

Trust your instincts, don't meet again if you have doubts. On your first meeting, make your own way to and from the venue. Leave details of your meeting with family or friends when meeting for the first time.

If you feel uncomfortable about going on that first date, you could always arrange a 'double date' by placing an ad with a friend. As well as being fun, you can get support from someone else and you can exchange ideas on picking a venue.