Safety Resources
TradeSwap is committed to helping buyers, sellers, and swappers stay safe in every country and region. Whether you are meeting in person, paying online, shipping an item, or reporting suspicious behavior, this page provides practical guidance that applies globally.
Important: TradeSwap does not ask users to share passwords, one-time passwords, or private verification codes.
Never send money or release an item unless you have independently confirmed payment.
Universal Safety Rules
- Keep communication on the platform whenever possible.
- Never trust screenshots as proof of payment.
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication if available.
- Do not share OTPs, PINs, login links, or recovery codes.
- Meet in public, busy, well-lit places for in-person exchanges.
- Bring another trusted person for expensive or high-risk transactions.
- Inspect goods carefully before paying or accepting delivery.
- Use tracked shipping and keep receipts and tracking numbers.
Common Scams
- Fake payment screenshot: the scammer sends an edited receipt or fake bank alert.
- Overpayment scam: the buyer claims to have sent too much and asks for a refund.
- Fake courier scam: you receive a message asking for “insurance,” “customs,” or “release” fees.
- Phishing scam: someone sends a fake login or verification page.
- Off-platform pressure: a user insists on moving to another app to avoid platform safety checks.
- Account takeover: someone pretends to be support and asks for codes or login details.
Before You Buy, Sell, or Swap
- Review the other user’s profile and communication style.
- Ask clear questions and request current photos for high-value items.
- Confirm model numbers, condition, accessories, and defects.
- Do not rush. Scammers often create urgency.
- For shipped items, verify the delivery address carefully.
- For in-person exchanges, agree on a public location with clear timing.
If Something Goes Wrong
- Stop communicating with the suspicious user.
- Report the user through TradeSwap immediately.
- Contact your bank, wallet, or card provider as fast as possible.
- Save screenshots, receipts, usernames, listing URLs, and chat history.
- Report the incident to the relevant authority in your country.
Country and Region Guidance
The guidance below is grouped by region and includes country examples plus fallback steps for countries not individually listed. If your exact country is not shown, follow the “other countries” guidance for your region and contact your local police, cybercrime authority, and payment provider.
Note: Agencies, reporting portals, and procedures can change over time.
Users should always verify the latest official reporting channels in their country before submitting sensitive information.
Africa
Nigeria
Where to Report
- Nigeria Police Force
- EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission)
- Your bank or payment provider immediately
Safety Tips
- Do not trust payment screenshots alone. Confirm funds inside your bank account before releasing any item.
- Avoid sending goods before irreversible payment confirmation.
- Meet in busy public places for in-person exchanges.
- Be cautious with buyers or sellers who suddenly move the conversation off-platform.
Ghana
Where to Report
- Ghana Police Service
- Cyber Security Authority
- Your mobile money or bank provider
Safety Tips
- Confirm mobile money payments directly in your wallet before handing over goods.
- Avoid pressure to complete a deal urgently.
Kenya
Where to Report
- National Police Service
- Directorate of Criminal Investigations
- Your bank or mobile money provider
Safety Tips
- Verify M-Pesa or bank transfer alerts in the official app or SMS history.
- Use tracked delivery for valuable items.
South Africa
Where to Report
- South African Police Service
- Your bank fraud department
- Relevant consumer protection bodies
Safety Tips
- Do not accept proof of payment as proof of cleared funds.
- Prefer secure public exchange points for meetings.
Other African Countries
Where to Report
- Local police or cybercrime unit
- Your bank, wallet provider, or card issuer
Safety Tips
- Use only traceable payment methods.
- Keep screenshots, chat history, and transaction records.
Europe
United Kingdom
Where to Report
- Action Fraud
- Local police where necessary
- Your bank or card provider
Safety Tips
- Be careful with bank transfer scams and impersonation fraud.
- Do not use Friends & Family style payments for marketplace purchases unless you fully trust the person.
European Union
Where to Report
- Local police or national cybercrime authority
- Your payment provider
- Relevant consumer protection authority
Safety Tips
- Be alert to fake courier, fake escrow, and fake buyer-protection messages.
- Check seller and buyer history carefully before shipping.
Germany
Where to Report
- Local police
- Your bank
- Relevant state or federal cybercrime office
Safety Tips
- Do not share TANs, OTPs, or account verification codes.
- Be cautious of “buyer pays more than asked” scams.
France
Where to Report
- Police or gendarmerie
- Your bank or card provider
- National cybercrime reporting services where available
Safety Tips
- Beware of fake shipping confirmations and fake payment notices.
- Keep all communication on-platform where possible.
Spain
Where to Report
- National police or Guardia Civil
- Your bank
- Relevant consumer/cybercrime reporting authority
Safety Tips
- Avoid advance payments for unverified sellers.
- Use delivery services with tracking and signature confirmation.
Italy
Where to Report
- Local police
- Postal police/cybercrime channels where appropriate
- Your bank
Safety Tips
- Inspect high-value items carefully before accepting them.
- Refuse pressure to complete a deal immediately.
Other European Countries
Where to Report
- Local police or cybercrime authority
- Your bank or card issuer
Safety Tips
- Use documented, traceable payment methods only.
- Save listings, receipts, and messages.
North America
United States
Where to Report
- FTC (Federal Trade Commission)
- FBI IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center)
- Local police for in-person incidents
- Your bank or card issuer
Safety Tips
- Do not send payment using irreversible methods to unknown sellers.
- Meet in designated safe exchange zones when available.
- Inspect electronics and serial numbers before payment.
Canada
Where to Report
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- Local police
- Your bank or payment provider
Safety Tips
- Verify Interac notifications directly through your banking app.
- Prefer tracked shipping with delivery confirmation.
Mexico
Where to Report
- Local police or cybercrime authority
- Your bank
Safety Tips
- Avoid cash-heavy or isolated meeting locations.
- Bring another adult for high-value exchanges.
Other North American Countries
Where to Report
- Local police or cybercrime authority
- Your payment provider
Safety Tips
- Confirm funds before releasing any goods.
- Document every stage of the transaction.
South America
Brazil
Where to Report
- Local police
- Cybercrime reporting channels where available
- Your bank or PIX provider
Safety Tips
- Confirm PIX or bank transfers directly in your account.
- Do not rely on screenshots or forwarded messages.
Argentina
Where to Report
- Local police
- Your bank or card provider
Safety Tips
- Be alert to fake transfer confirmations.
- Use public meeting points and daylight hours.
Colombia
Where to Report
- Local police
- Your bank
Safety Tips
- Avoid remote or private meeting locations.
- Use shipping with tracking where possible.
Other South American Countries
Where to Report
- Local police or cybercrime authority
- Your bank or payment provider
Safety Tips
- Never share one-time passwords or verification codes.
- Retain chats, receipts, and screenshots.
Asia
India
Where to Report
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
- Local police
- Your bank, UPI app, or wallet provider
Safety Tips
- Do not scan unknown QR codes to receive money.
- Confirm UPI payments directly in your app and bank statement.
Pakistan
Where to Report
- Local police or cybercrime wing
- Your bank or wallet provider
Safety Tips
- Avoid trusting screenshots for transfers.
- Meet in secure public locations when trading in person.
Bangladesh
Where to Report
- Local police or cybercrime authority
- Your bank or mobile financial service provider
Safety Tips
- Verify bKash/Nagad or bank payments in the official app.
- Keep all transaction records.
United Arab Emirates
Where to Report
- Dubai Police / local police channels
- Your bank
Safety Tips
- Beware of fake courier and fake customs fee messages.
- Use secure and documented payment methods.
Saudi Arabia
Where to Report
- Local police or cybercrime channels
- Your bank
Safety Tips
- Do not release goods until cleared payment is confirmed.
- Use well-known delivery and payment systems.
Singapore
Where to Report
- Police anti-scam channels
- Your bank
Safety Tips
- Stay alert for impersonation and fake escrow links.
- Check every URL before logging in.
Malaysia
Where to Report
- Local police or cybercrime reporting channels
- Your bank
Safety Tips
- Confirm DuitNow or transfer payments directly in-app.
- Avoid rushed transactions.
Indonesia
Where to Report
- Local police
- Your bank or e-wallet provider
Safety Tips
- Keep proof of shipment and proof of payment.
- Do not share OTP or account recovery codes.
Philippines
Where to Report
- Local police or cybercrime reporting authority
- Your bank or e-wallet provider
Safety Tips
- Verify GCash/Maya or bank payments carefully.
- Meet only in secure, populated places.
Japan
Where to Report
- Local police
- Your bank or card provider
Safety Tips
- Be careful with fake support and fake delivery notices.
- Preserve detailed records of communication.
South Korea
Where to Report
- Local police
- Your bank
Safety Tips
- Watch for account-takeover or messenger impersonation scams.
- Use delivery tracking for shipped items.
China
Where to Report
- Local law enforcement channels
- Your payment provider or bank
Safety Tips
- Be cautious with external payment links.
- Verify buyer and seller details thoroughly.
Other Asian Countries
Where to Report
- Local police or cybercrime authority
- Your bank or wallet provider
Safety Tips
- Use only traceable payment methods.
- Document every step of the transaction.
Oceania
Australia
Where to Report
- ReportCyber
- Scamwatch
- Local police where needed
- Your bank or card provider
Safety Tips
- Do not trust fake bank transfer screenshots.
- Use monitored public spaces for meetups.
New Zealand
Where to Report
- Netsafe
- Police where necessary
- Your bank
Safety Tips
- Check payments directly in your banking channel.
- Be wary of fake shipping or customs charges.
Other Oceanian Countries
Where to Report
- Local police or cybercrime authority
- Your payment provider
Safety Tips
- Use secure payment methods with records.
- Keep all communication and receipts.
Safety for Specific Transaction Types
In-Person Meetings
- Meet in shopping centers, bank premises, police-approved exchange zones, or other public locations.
- Do not invite strangers to your home unless absolutely necessary.
- For vehicles or expensive electronics, bring a knowledgeable person with you.
Online Payments
- Use traceable and documented payment methods.
- Do not send refunds until your bank confirms settled funds.
- Be cautious with links sent by buyers or sellers.
Shipping and Delivery
- Use reputable couriers and always save the tracking receipt.
- Photograph the item before packing, during packing, and after sealing.
- For expensive items, require signature confirmation on delivery.
High-Value Items
- Examples include phones, laptops, gaming consoles, jewelry, watches, vehicles, and professional equipment.
- Verify serial numbers, original receipts, and ownership when appropriate.
- Do not proceed if ownership details seem suspicious or inconsistent.
Contact TradeSwap Safety Team
If you believe a listing, message, or user account is fraudulent, report it through the platform immediately. Include as much detail as possible so the review can happen quickly.