1. General Safety Guidelines
- Trust your instincts — if a deal feels questionable or suspicious, walk away.
- Avoid sharing unnecessary personal information, banking details, or home addresses.
- Keep all conversations within the USDeclutter secure in-app messaging system.
- Report suspicious users or fraudulent listings immediately using the Report button.
- Never send sensitive identification documents, passports, or SSN photos to strangers.
2. Safe Buying Practices
- Verify item condition, brand authenticity, and serial numbers before exchanging money.
- Ask the seller for additional real-life photos or videos if the post lacks detail.
- Avoid deals with heavily discounted luxury goods or electronics that seem "too good to be true".
- Never wire money in advance (Western Union, wire transfers, prepaid gift cards) to an unverified seller.
- Use traceable and secure payment methods whenever possible.
3. Safe Selling Practices
- Meet prospective buyers in public, well-lit, populated locations during daytime hours.
- Avoid accepting cashier checks, personal checks, or overpayment refund requests.
- Never ship merchandise before receiving verified, cleared payment into your account.
- Retain proof of communication, receipts, and transaction records.
- Verify buyer credibility and confirm pickup details beforehand.
4. Meeting in Person
- Choose designated community exchange safe zones (e.g., local police station parking lots, bank lobbies, or bustling shopping centers).
- Bring a friend or family member along when meeting for high-value items.
- Avoid meeting late at night, in secluded parking lots, or inside private dwellings alone.
- Test electronics, power on devices, and inspect physical merchandise thoroughly before finalizing.
5. Online Communication Safety
- Maintain all conversations inside USDeclutter chat to preserve a verifiable record.
- Do not click on unverified links, shortened URLs, or download unknown attachments.
- Beware of urgent pressure tactics, emotional backstories, or requests to move immediately to external chat apps.
- Block abusive or harassing individuals promptly.
6. Fraud & Scam Prevention
- Refusal to meet locally in person or inspect items.
- Fake shipping company escrow services claiming to hold funds.
- Requests for phone verification PIN codes or Google Voice codes.
- Overpayment scams where the buyer sends a bogus check and asks for the "difference" back.
If you suspect fraud, cease communication immediately and report the account to our trust team.
7. Protecting Your Account
- Use a unique, complex password with letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Never share your credentials or login verification tokens with anyone.
- Always log out when accessing your account from public or shared computers.
8. Reporting Violations
Our moderators review reports 24/7. Use the "Report" button on any listing, message, or profile to notify us of harassment, prohibited merchandise, or suspicious behavior.