Stay Safe on Tradeza
Trading online is safe when you know what to look out for. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself during every transaction.
Never pay before inspecting an item in person.
Tradeza does not process payments. Any request to pay via the "Tradeza payment system" or through a third-party link is a scam. Report it immediately.
General Safety Rules
Meet in a Public Place
Always arrange to meet in a busy, well-lit public area such as a shopping centre, petrol station forecourt, or police station parking lot. Never invite strangers to your home or go to theirs alone.
Inspect Before You Pay
Never hand over money until you have physically seen and tested the item. Check that it works, matches the photos, and is exactly as described in the ad.
Bring a Friend
Whenever possible, bring someone you trust to meetings — especially for high-value transactions. There is safety in numbers.
Tell Someone Where You Are Going
Let a friend or family member know where you are meeting, who you are meeting, and when you expect to be back.
Meet During Daylight Hours
Schedule meetings during the day when there are more people around. Avoid late-night or very early morning meetups.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, it probably is. You are never obligated to go through with a deal. Walk away if you feel uncomfortable at any stage.
Recommended Meeting Spots
Police Stations
The safest option. Many SAPS stations have designated safe trade zones.
Shopping Centres
Well-lit, busy, with security cameras and security guards on site.
Busy Coffee Shops
Public, casual, and easy to walk away from if needed.
Bank Branches
Great for cash deals — you can verify and deposit immediately.
Petrol Stations
Open late, well-lit, and staffed. Good for evening meetups.
Community Centres
Public spaces with regular foot traffic and staff present.
Payment Safety
Use EFT (bank transfer) or cash in person — only after you have inspected the item.
If paying by EFT, wait for funds to clear in your account before handing over the item.
Ask for a receipt or written proof of sale for items over R500.
Never pay a deposit upfront to "reserve" an item from someone you have not met.
Do not send money via WhatsApp payment requests, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to strangers.
Do not share your bank card PIN, OTP, or internet banking password with anyone — ever.
Beware of "overpayment" scams where the buyer sends more money and asks you to refund the difference.
Protect Your Personal Information
Do not share your ID number, passport, or personal financial details with buyers or sellers.
Avoid including your exact home address in ad listings — use your general area instead.
Be cautious about sharing your personal phone number with strangers. Use in-app messaging first.
Never click on suspicious links sent through messages — they may steal your login credentials.
Buying or Selling Vehicles
Vehicles are high-value items — extra caution is required.
Always conduct a vehicle history check (VIN check) before purchasing any used vehicle.
Inspect the vehicle in daylight with a trusted mechanic before agreeing to a price.
Verify that the seller's name matches the title deed / registration papers.
Never hand over money or sign paperwork before the NATIS documents are verified at your nearest licensing department.
Be wary of prices that are far below market value — stolen vehicles are often sold quickly and cheaply.
For test drives, ask to see the seller's driver's licence and accompany them at all times.
Property Listings
Rental and property scams are common. Protect yourself:
Never pay a deposit or rent in advance without viewing the property in person.
Confirm the identity of the landlord or agent and verify they have the right to rent/sell the property.
Be suspicious of rental prices that are unusually low for the area.
Do not sign a lease or sale agreement without reading it thoroughly, ideally with legal advice.
Use a registered estate agent or attorney for formal property transactions.
Do not transfer money to any account until you have confirmed it matches the official business or individual.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you encounter an ad, user, or message that seems suspicious, please report it immediately. Your report helps protect every other person on the platform. Tradeza reviews all reports and will take action against accounts that violate our guidelines.
Use the Report button on any ad or user profile
Email us at safety@tradeza.co.za
For crimes in progress or if you are in immediate danger, contact SAPS: 10111
Ready to trade safely?