Safe payment methods when buying and selling

The moment of payment is what scammers exploit most. Choosing a safe method and knowing when to hand over the item protect the whole deal.

The golden rule

Don't hand over the item until the money has actually reached your account, confirmed in your official banking app — not from a transfer screenshot or SMS, both of which are easy to fake. Likewise, don't pay before inspecting what you're buying.

The safest options

• Cash at an in-person meeting in a public place, with inspection.
• A bank transfer confirmed received in your banking app before handover.
• Handover and payment at the same time and place.

Beware of these

• Transfer screenshots or SMS as proof of payment — not proof.
• A request for an upfront or 'insurance' fee to receive a payment.
• External payment links asking for your bank details or OTP.
• An 'overpayment' with a request to refund the difference — a common trick.

For large amounts

Keep it face-to-face in a safe public place, and bring someone with you. For cars and property, tie payment to completing the ownership transfer in the same session, and hand over nothing before confirming the money arrived.