An in-person handover remains the safest way to buy and sell: you see the item, you pay at the right moment, and nothing goes through a third party.
- Choose a public, busy place in daylight: a station, a shopping centre, a café, a shop car park.
- Tell a friend or relative the place and time, or bring someone with you.
- Inspect the item calmly before paying: condition, working order, accessories, serial number.
- For a valuable item, prefer paying in cash at the moment of the exchange or a method you control.
- Don't share your home address until it's truly necessary.
Trust your instincts: if the situation makes you uncomfortable, you can always cancel. No sale is worth putting yourself in danger.