Top safety tips
Meet in public
Always meet in a well-lit, public place like a shopping centre, café, or police station. Never invite strangers to your home or go to theirs for a first meeting.
Inspect before you pay
Never send money before you've seen and tested the item in person. If the seller won't let you inspect the item, walk away.
Keep communication on-platform
Use Frontpage's messaging system to contact sellers. This protects your personal contact details and creates a record of your communication.
Bring a friend
For high-value items or when meeting someone for the first time, bring a friend or family member with you. Let someone know where you're going.
Pay safely
Cash is safest for in-person exchanges. If transferring money, use a bank transfer (not cryptocurrency or gift cards). Be wary of overpayment scams.
Trust your instincts
If something feels off about a listing or seller, trust your instincts and walk away. No deal is worth compromising your safety.
Common scams to watch out for
Scammers are active on all classifieds platforms. Here are the most common ones to watch for:
Overpayment scam
Buyer sends a cheque for more than the asking price and asks you to refund the difference. The cheque bounces and you lose the item and the money.
Fake payment proof
Seller sends a fake screenshot of a bank transfer. Always confirm funds have actually arrived in your account before handing over the item.
Too good to be true
Listings priced dramatically below market value are often scams. If a $2,000 item is listed for $300, be very cautious.
Shipping scam
Seller insists on shipping only and asks for payment upfront. Always prefer in-person exchanges for high-value items.
Gift card payments
Gift card payments
Legitimate sellers never ask for payment in gift cards. This is always a scam.
Phishing links
Messages containing links asking you to "verify your account" or "confirm payment" outside of Frontpage. Don't click them.
For sellers
- Only accept payment methods you're comfortable with — cash is safest for in-person sales
- Confirm funds have cleared before releasing high-value items
- Take clear, honest photos that accurately represent your item
- Don't share your home address publicly — arrange to meet in a neutral location
- Be cautious of buyers who want to rush the transaction or offer more than the asking price
REPORT A SUSPICIOUS LISTING
Spotted something that doesn't look right? Let us know and we'll investigate promptly. We take all reports seriously.
frontpageaus@gmail.com