Safety Guidelines

Meeting in person

• Meet in a busy public place, such as a store parking lot or a community meetup spot, when appropriate
• Daylight hours are usually easier for both people
• Tell someone you trust where you are going, who you are meeting and when you expect to be back
• Bring a friend or family member, especially for larger items or higher-value deals
• For furniture or appliances that require a home visit, arrange help and keep the visit to the agreed area

Before you commit

• Ask questions and request additional photos of the actual item
• Inspect the item in person, test it if possible, and confirm what is included before completing the transaction
• Confirm ownership and any paperwork for vehicles, electronics or high-value items
• Agree on price, payment method and pickup details in advance

Payments

• Be cautious with unusual payment requests, such as gift cards, wire transfers, crypto or unfamiliar payment apps
• Avoid paying in advance for an item you have not seen, and be wary of deposits requested to "hold" an item
• Be skeptical of overpayment offers, requests to refund a difference, or third-party shipping arrangements
• Count cash before handing over an item, and keep a record of what was agreed
• City Mart Local does not process payments between users, so it cannot reverse a user-to-user payment

Protecting your information

• Use City Mart Local's contact actions rather than posting your email or phone number in a listing
• Share only what a transaction requires, and share your home address only when you choose to
• Never share passwords, verification codes, bank logins, card numbers or photos of identity documents
• City Mart Local will never ask you for your password or a verification code

Recognizing suspicious communications

• Pressure to move quickly or to continue the conversation on another app
• Requests to send a code to "verify" you are real
• Offers well above or below a reasonable price
• Links to sites that ask you to sign in or enter payment details
• Messages with inconsistent details, unusual phrasing or a story that keeps changing

High-value transactions

• Take extra time to verify the item, the paperwork and the other person
• Consider meeting at a bank, or at a police-designated exchange location where available
• Bring someone with you and avoid carrying large amounts of cash alone
• For vehicles, confirm the title and identification numbers before any money changes hands

Follow local laws

Some items, services and activities are regulated where you live. Make sure what you are buying, selling or arranging is legal in your area, and obtain any required licenses or permits.

Reporting problems

• Use the reporting tools on a listing to report suspicious listings, messages or users
• Stop communicating with anyone who makes you uncomfortable
• Contact local authorities if you believe a crime has occurred or someone is in danger

City Mart Local's role

City Mart Local provides listings, discovery and contact tools, and moderates content against its policies. It does not screen users, inspect items, attend meetups or supervise transactions.

Following these guidelines reduces risk but cannot remove it. You are responsible for exercising appropriate caution when interacting or transacting with other users.