Seen a listing you love? Before hitting reply, read our tips on how to buy safely on Gumtree.
Is it safe to buy on Gumtree?
Yes! Making it safe and simple to participate in the circular economy lies at the heart of our business. “We safeguard our community by never tolerating bad actors, educating our users on how to stay safe and working with external experts to ensure we are best in class,” explains Gumtree’s Head of Trust and Safety, Joseph Rindsland.
Over 99% of our listings are without issue. However, if you are suspicious about an advert, hit the Report button, and we’ll investigate within 4 hours. Our dedicated trust and safety team are also available 24/7, 365 days a year, and ready to support our users.
For more details on how we protect our buyers and sellers, read our latest transparency report. We are also supporting the UK Government on their nationwide campaign to help people understand how to spot and report fraud. Tips and advice can be found on the Stop! Think Fraud website.
Find out what the item is worth
“Before you decide to buy something on Gumtree, find out how much the item costs elsewhere and in a new condition,” advises Joseph. “That way, you’ll know what to expect and won’t end up paying over the odds.”
✅ Top tip: Check out our guide on how to negotiate to get the best price for extra advice on costs. If buying a car, head to our dedicated motors hub for more insights.
⚠️ If an ad is suspiciously cheap, you should proceed with caution. The item might not be as it appears or in a good condition. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it quite possibly is.
Do your research
How much do you know about the product you’re buying? “A little swotting up can go a long way, especially when buying a big ticket item”, says Joseph. “For example, if you’re looking for a new mountain bike, find out what condition something of its age should be in and ask the seller whether it comes with spare parts.”
✅ Top tip: If buying a branded item, research the difference between replica and genuine products to spot telltale signs of fakes. If unsure, report the ad to our Help Desk using the Report button.
⚠️ Always trust your instincts. Red flags for suspicious listings include badly written or very short descriptions or poor photographs of the item. Help us to keep our platform safe by reporting anything you think might be suspicious.
Keep your information safe
One of the key things you can do to buy safely on Gumtree is to avoid giving out your personal information. “We always recommend to keep communications on our platform where we can moderate the content and step in if needed,” says Joseph.
He continues, “It’s important not to share your bank details with someone unless you’re certain they’re the real deal. Don’t forget, Gumtree doesn’t offer the ability to pay online for items, so be wary if links are sent promising such a service. If you’re ever in any doubt over the authenticity of a message from Gumtree, don’t hesitate to report it or contact us to verify.”
✅ Top tip: Set your contact options to email only, as we’ll mask your address when using our messaging service.
⚠️ Don’t overshare. Our customer service team will never ask for your bank details, identification or passwords.
Meet the seller in person
When you’ve agreed on a price with the seller, try to meet them in person to make the transaction if you can. “Meeting the seller face to face allows you not only to gauge whether they can be trusted, but also gives you a chance to check that the item you’re purchasing matches its description” suggests Joseph.
✅ Top tip: Check out our advice on what to look for in a reliable seller.
⚠️ To stay safe, it’s always worth arranging to meet the seller during the day and in a busy public place. It’s also a good idea to take someone with you rather than meeting someone alone.
Choose your payment method carefully
Once you’ve decided you can trust the seller and the item matches your expectations, you should opt for a secure payment method. “Where possible, opt for a cash transaction,” advises Joseph. “Alternatively, use a trusted online method, like Paypal, and check that it’s gone through before you take the item home.”
✅ Top tip: Head to our Help Desk for insights on the latest scams.
⚠️ Think twice if asked for a deposit or the buyer insists on paying online. Also, be wary of links sent by others directing you to a payment service.
Now you’re clued up and know how to buy safely on Gumtree, you have all you need to get browsing to discover your next Good Find.
