Safety Advice & Fraud Prevention
Smart guidelines for secure, risk-free peer-to-peer buying and selling across India
1. Buyer Safety Guidelines
Meet in Public Places Only
Always arrange meetings in crowded, well-lit public locations such as metro stations, shopping malls, police booth perimeters, or busy coffee shops during daytime hours. Never meet in secluded spots or invite strangers directly into private residences.
Check Original Bill & Prevent Buying Stolen Goods
Ensure the item is not stolen by requesting the seller's original purchase receipt, tax invoice, and retail box. For smartphones and laptops, verify the IMEI / Serial Number matches the box and invoice before paying.
Thorough Physical Inspection
Test the item completely before handing over cash or sending UPI. For electronics, test battery health, cameras, Wi-Fi, touch response, charging ports, and ensure iCloud / Google / Mi accounts are permanently signed out.
Never Pay Advance or Token Money
Never transfer advance token amounts, shipping charges, or delivery fees before meeting in person. Fraudulent sellers often request "small token amounts" via UPI or claim courier charges to steal funds.
2. Seller Safety Guidelines
Lister's Sole Legal Responsibility
The user posting the advertisement is solely and legally responsible for ensuring the product is their own legitimate property and is not stolen, lost, counterfeit, or prohibited. IndiaResellAI cooperates fully with law enforcement against illegal listings.
Beware of UPI "QR Code Payment" Scams
Remember: You NEVER need to enter your UPI PIN or scan a QR code to RECEIVE money. If a buyer sends a QR code or asks you to enter your PIN to "accept" a payment, it is an immediate fraud attempt.
Confirm Money in Bank Before Handover
Never release the product based on a screenshot or SMS of an alleged payment. Check your own banking or UPI app to verify that the money has officially credited into your account balance before parting with the item.
Protect Personal Information
Do not share sensitive financial information like credit/debit card numbers, CVVs, OTPs, or Net Banking credentials with buyers. Legitimate buyers only need your UPI ID or cash in person.
3. Common Red Flags to Avoid
- Unrealistically low prices: If a flagship phone, vehicle, or laptop is listed at 70-80% below market rate, it is almost certainly a scam or stolen property.
- Claims of Military / Army Personnel posting: Scammers frequently pretend to be army officers posted in remote cantonments demanding advance transport charges via fake defense ID cards.
- Refusal to meet in person: Insisting on courier-only or third-party delivery services when buying from a local classifieds listing.
- Overpayment scams: The buyer claims to have accidentally sent extra money and asks you to refund the difference via UPI before their payment bounces.
4. Reporting Suspicious Activity
If you encounter any suspicious ad, stolen item, or fraudulent user, please immediately discontinue communication and report the listing using our contact channels or reach out to India's National Cyber Crime Portal at cybercrime.gov.in or helpline number 1930.