Safety & Scam Prevention

 

🛡️ Stay Safe While Buying, Selling & Advertising

At ForClassified.com, your safety is our top priority. We are committed to providing a secure, fair, and transparent online marketplace where buyers, sellers, and advertisers can connect with confidence.

While most transactions on our platform are safe, local, and friendly, it is essential to remain alert. We have compiled these guidelines to protect yourself from online fraud and scams.

 

 The Golden Rule: whenever possible, deal locally and face-to-face. This eliminates 99% of scam attempts.

 

🚫 Common Online Scams to Watch Out For

Be aware of these common tactics used by scammers:

  The "I'm Currently Abroad" Scam: A seller claims to be a soldier, marine engineer, or doctor working overseas. They say they cannot meet but will ship the item via a "trusted agent" once you pay. Reality: The item does not exist.
  Fake Payment Confirmations: Scammers may send fake emails looking like PayPal or Bank receipts claiming money is "pending" until you ship the item.
  SMS Verification Code Scam: A "buyer" asks you for a 6-digit code sent to your phone to "verify you are real." Reality: They are trying to hack your Google/WhatsApp/Bank account. Never share this code.
  Overpayment Scams: A buyer sends a check for more than the asking price and asks you to refund the difference. The check will eventually bounce, and you will lose the money you sent back.
  Fake Escrow Services: Avoid third-party "shipping companies" or fake "escrow" websites suggested by the seller. ForClassified does not handle shipping or payments.
  Gift Card Payments: Never accept or make payments via iTunes cards, Amazon vouchers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate sellers never ask for this.
  Fake Job Offers: Be cautious of job ads asking for upfront fees for "training kits," "uniforms," or background checks.

 

 

💡 Top Safety Tips for Buyers

  Deal Locally & Face-to-Face: Meet the seller in a safe, public place (like a coffee shop or mall). Inspect the item carefully before paying.
  Verify the Seller: Check if the seller’s phone number and general location seem real. If an offer sounds too good to be true (e.g., a luxury car for $500), it probably is.
  Never Share Personal Info: Avoid giving out your ID copies, bank account passwords, or OTPs.
  Use Secure Payments: Cash-on-delivery or instant bank transfers after meeting the seller are safest.

 

 

💬 Smart Tips for Sellers

  Meet in Public: Avoid isolated places or inviting strangers into your home when you are alone.
  Secure Payment Only: Do not hand over the item until you have verified the cash is genuine or the bank transfer is fully cleared in your account.
  Keep Communication on the Platform: Always use the official ForClassified chat. Scammers often try to move you to WhatsApp or Email immediately to avoid our safety filters.
  Protect Your Privacy: Blur sensitive details (like license plates or house numbers) in your ad photos.

 

 

🔒 Account & Email Security

Protecting your ForClassified account is key to staying safe:

  1. Strong Passwords: Use a unique password with a mix of numbers, symbols, and letters.
  2. Beware of Phishing: Ignore emails asking you to click a link to "verify your account" or "unlock your password" unless you requested it.
  3. Check the Sender: Always verify that emails come from @forclassified.com.
  4.

Safe Sender List: To ensure you don't miss important messages, add us to your email whitelist.👉 Learn how to whitelist ForClassified emails here.

 

 

🚨 Recognizing Fraudulent Ads (Red Flags)

If you come across suspicious listings, watch out for:

  ⚠️ Unrealistic Prices: A high-value item listed for a fraction of its market value.
  ⚠️ Refusal to Meet: Sellers who make excuses why they cannot meet in person.
  ⚠️ Requests for Deposits: Asking for money upfront to "hold" the item.
  ⚠️ Poor Quality: Ads with bad grammar, stock photos from the internet, or descriptions that don't make sense.

 

 

🧩 How We Keep You Safe

ForClassified.com uses multiple safety layers to protect our community:

  AI-Driven Moderation: Automated systems to detect fake or prohibited content.
  Manual Reviews: Our support team reviews flagged ads.
  SSL Encryption: Your data is encrypted and secure.
  Strict Privacy Policies: We never sell your personal data to third parties.

 

 

🕵️ Report Suspicious Activity

If you believe you have encountered a scam or suspicious user, please act immediately:

  1. Click the "Report Ad" button on the listing page.
  2. Select a reason (e.g., Fraud, Spam, Prohibited Item).
  3. Email Us: You can also email details directly to support [at] forclassified [dot] com including the Ad Link and screenshots.

 

 

🧠 Remember: Your Safety Starts With You

While we continuously monitor and moderate listings, your awareness is the best protection. Stay alert, verify before you trust, and never send money to strangers.

Together, we can make ForClassified.com a safer online community for everyone

Do you have more questions? Contact us