Meet-up habits: a public place, daytime, a friend

Meet in a busy public place in the daytime, bring a friend, look at the item before you pay, and never pay a stranger first. These habits help. They do not make a meet-up risk-free.

Pick the place

Choose a busy spot you both know. A mall, a convenience store, a barangay hall or a police station are good choices. Daytime is best. Do not meet in a quiet place, a car or someone's home if you can avoid it.

Bring someone

Go with a friend, or tell someone you trust where you are going, who you are meeting and when you will be back. Keep your phone charged.

Look before you pay

• Check that it is the item in the photos and that it works.
• Phones: test the screen, the camera and charging. Dial *#06# to see the IMEI and check that it matches what the seller gave you.
• Motorcycles and cars: the OR/CR should match the engine and chassis numbers. Check the papers before you pay.
• Anything with a box or papers: ask to see them.
• Take your time. A real seller lets you check.

Pay the right way

• Pay in cash, when you have the item in your hands and have checked it.
• Never pay a deposit, a reservation fee or a "hold" fee to a stranger first.
• Never send money to hold an item. Do not accept a screenshot as proof of payment. A screenshot can be fake.
• Count cash and check notes before you hand over or accept them.

Keep the talk in Chats

If someone is in a hurry to move to another app, slow down. Never share a one-time code, a password or a card number with anyone.

Sellers

• Do not give the item before you are paid.
• Do not release it for a promise to pay later.
• Mark the item as sold after the meet-up.

When to walk away

Leave if the person changes the place at the last minute, pushes you to hurry, refuses to let you check the item, or makes you uneasy. No deal is worth a risk.