Your local marketplace in Leeds, West Yorkshire

Be wary of requests to pay upfront via bank transfer or money transfer services. Insist on meeting in person to inspect the item and pay with cash or a secure payment method like PayPal (goods and services). Watch out for overly generous offers or sellers who are reluctant to provide details about the item.

Arrange to meet in a safe, public place during daylight hours. Bring a friend or family member if possible. Inspect the item thoroughly before handing over any money. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, don't hesitate to leave.

Gumtree is primarily a platform for private sales, so consumer protection laws may not fully apply. However, the seller is legally obliged to accurately describe the item being sold. If the item is significantly different from the description, you may have grounds for a refund or return. Keep all communication with the seller as evidence.

Report the listing to Gumtree immediately. Provide as much detail as possible about your concerns. You can also contact Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre, if you believe you have been a victim of fraud.

Yes, certain items are prohibited or restricted on Gumtree, such as illegal goods, weapons, and items that infringe on intellectual property rights. Check Gumtree's prohibited items policy before listing anything for sale. Selling counterfeit goods is illegal and can result in prosecution.