Safety Recommendations

Meet in Safe Spots

Always use our verified Safe Spots for trades. These locations have been carefully selected for:

• High foot traffic and visibility
• Security cameras
• Well-lit environments
• Public safety (police stations, fire stations)
• Business hours operation

Bring a Friend

Never meet alone, especially for first trades. Bring a friend or family member with you. If you must go alone, tell someone where you're going, who you're meeting, and when you expect to return.

Inspect Items Before Leaving

Always inspect items thoroughly before completing the trade:

• Verify the item matches the description and photos
• Test electronics and equipment
• Check for damage, wear, or missing parts
• Ensure all accessories and components are included
• Don't feel pressured to complete a trade if something seems off

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels wrong, it probably is. Walk away if:

• The trader pressures you or creates urgency
• They want to meet in a private or isolated location
• The item seems too good to be true
• Communication has been suspicious or inconsistent
• They refuse to meet in a Safe Spot
• Your gut tells you something is off

Report Suspicious Activity

Help keep the community safe by reporting:

• Scams or fraudulent listings
• Threatening or harassing behavior
• Inappropriate content
• Suspected stolen goods
• Violations of our community guidelines

Use In-App Communication

Keep all communication within TradeStory until you've built trust. Don't share personal contact information (phone number, email, social media) until you feel comfortable. This protects your privacy and creates a record if issues arise.

Best Practices Checklist