Meet in daylight. Pay in person.

• Meet somewhere public and busy, in daylight — a store parking lot, a coffee shop. Many local police departments offer marked “safe exchange” spots.
• Bring someone with you, or tell someone where you’re going.
• For big items that need a home pickup, have another person there and keep the item near the door.
• Trust your gut. If something feels off, leave.

• Never pay before you’ve seen the item. No deposits to “hold” something.
• Cash or an instant payment app, in person, once you’re happy.
• Sellers: don’t accept checks or payment “overages” you’re asked to refund.
• For vehicles, check the title and VIN, and do the paperwork together.

• Someone who won’t meet, wants to ship, or is in a hurry.
• Requests to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto.
• Anyone asking for a verification code sent to your phone — never share one.
• Pressure to move the conversation off the app before you’ve met.
• Prices far below what the item is worth.

Your phone number is never shown in the Marketplace. You decide if and when to share it. Pickup is shown as a neighborhood, never an address — agree on the exact spot in messages.

• Use Report on the listing or in the conversation, and Block anyone who makes you uncomfortable.
• If you’re in danger or a crime has happened, call 911 first.
• For anything else, email hello@whatshappeningsu.com.