General Advice for using Local Ads

Whether you're buying or selling on LocalAds always remain aware and avoid any deal that looks suspicious. LocalAds endeavour to prevent scammers operating on the site however we cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or legitimacy of any Ad, or the validity of any buyer.

Caveat emptor

Caveat emptor - Let the buyer beware ! Once you have bought an item from a private seller, you have no legal comeback if it turns out to be faulty. Therefore, check the goods thoroughly before handing over the money.

Scammers

LocalAds does not tolerate scammers and will instantly revoke access from the LocalAds system.

Local Ads also has a number of automated and manual tools that identify and remove scammers and stops re-registration. If you believe you have been wrongly caught by this process please let us know.

Payment

For most transactions it is often easier and more convenient to pay in cash. However, in order to be on the safe side don't take more cash than you need.

LocalAds recommend that buyers NEVER send cash or cheques through the post, or place money directly into a seller's bank account in advance, on the expectation of receiving goods.

For more valuable items you could ask for a personal cheque to be cleared before you part with your goods and offer a receipt as proof of purchase.

Another alternative is to use an Escrow service (a list of such companies can be found using the main search engines). This is where a third party holds the funds for a purchase;

• The seller ships to the buyer after the escrow provider has the confirmed funds.
• When the buyer gets and approves of the item, the escrow provider releases the funds.
• If the item is never delivered, the buyer gets their money back.
• If the buyer is not satisfied with the item, they may return it to the seller.
• The seller gets the item back, the escrow provider returns the money to the buyer.

NOTE!

LocalAds is a UK based classified advertising service bringing buyers and sellers in the UK together. We therefore recommend caution when dealing with anyone based outside the UK.

LocalAds endeavour to prevent scammers operating on the site however we cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or legitimacy of any Ad, or the validity of any buyer. If you have evidence of scams occurring on LocalAds please email details to abuse@localads.co.uk

Finally, if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is!

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