Safety Tips

Category: Safety Last updated: 2026-07-12

Buying and selling online comes with risks. These tips will help you stay safe while using Owning. Most of this is common sense — but it's worth reviewing.

General rules

• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away.
• Keep communication on Owning. Use the in-platform "Contact seller" button rather than sharing personal contact info upfront.
• Never share financial details — bank account numbers, credit card info, or passwords — through Owning messaging.
• Report suspicious behavior. Use the "Flag" button on any listing that looks fraudulent or inappropriate.

For buyers

Before you buy

• Check the photos. Make sure they're real photos of the actual item, not stock images. Ask for more if needed.
• Read the description carefully. Look for honest mention of defects or wear.
• Compare prices. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
• Check the seller's profile. Verified sellers and longer member history are good signs.
• Ask questions. Use "Contact seller" to clarify condition, what's included, and shipping options before committing.

When you buy

• Meet in public places for in-person exchanges — coffee shops, shopping malls, or police station parking lots.
• Bring a friend if you're meeting a seller for the first time.
• Inspect the item before paying. Don't hand over money until you're satisfied.
• Use tracked shipping for online purchases. Avoid sellers who insist on untracked shipping.
• Use secure payment methods. PayPal Goods & Services, bank transfer, or cash on pickup. Avoid wire transfers or crypto to unknown parties.
• Never pay in advance to a seller you haven't met, unless you're using a secure escrow or tracked shipping with buyer protection.

What to avoid

• Sellers who pressure you to act fast or pay outside the platform
• Listings with prices far below market value
• Sellers who refuse to provide additional photos
• Requests to wire money, send gift cards, or use crypto
• Sellers who won't meet in person for local items

For sellers

When you sell

• Meet in public places for in-person exchanges.
• Accept cash or secure payment methods — avoid personal checks from strangers.
• Don't ship before receiving payment. If using tracked shipping, wait for payment confirmation.
• Be honest about condition. Transparency builds trust and prevents disputes.
• Take clear photos. Document the item's condition before shipping in case of disputes.

Protecting your account

• Use a strong, unique password.
• Don't share your API keys with anyone.
• Revoke API keys you no longer use from your dashboard.
• Be wary of buyers who offer to pay more than your asking price and ask you to refund the difference — this is a common scam pattern.

Reporting problems

If you encounter a problem:

1. Flag the listing — use the "Flag" button on the listing page. Our moderation team reviews flagged listings.
2. Report a user — contact hello@owning.pro with details.
3. Block a user — you can block users from messaging you in your account settings.

All listings go through a moderation review before going live. If you spot something that slipped through, flag it and we'll take a look.

In case of fraud

If you believe you've been defrauded:

1. Stop all communication with the other party.
2. Contact your payment provider to dispute the charge (if applicable).
3. Report the incident to hello@owning.pro with all relevant details.
4. File a report with your local authorities if necessary.

Owning facilitates connections between buyers and sellers but does not process payments or mediate transactions. We can remove fraudulent listings and ban bad actors, but we cannot recover funds.

Learn more

• How to Buy — the full buying process
• How to Create a Listing — selling step by step
• Safety page — full safety guidelines on the web