Buy and sell
safely on Owning.
Owning connects buyers and sellers — we don't handle payments, shipping, or escrow. That means you're in charge of your own safety. These guidelines will help you spot scams, protect yourself, and trade with confidence.
Tips for buying safely
Six rules that will keep you safe when buying on Owning.
Meet in a public place
For in-person exchanges, always meet in a well-lit, public location — a café, shopping center, or police station parking lot. Never invite a stranger to your home or agree to meet at theirs.
Inspect before you pay
Check the item carefully before handing over any money. Make sure it matches the description and photos. If the seller won't let you inspect it, walk away.
Don't pay in advance
Never wire money, send cryptocurrency, or make advance payments to someone you haven't met or don't trust. If buying remotely, use a protected payment method with buyer protection.
Use tracked shipping
If buying remotely, insist on tracked and insured shipping. Avoid sellers who refuse tracked shipping or ask you to use an untraceable courier.
Trust your instincts
If a deal feels off — the price is too low, the seller is pushy, the photos look fake — trust your gut and walk away. There will always be another listing.
Keep communication on Owning
Scammers often try to move conversations to WhatsApp, Telegram, or email where there's no record. Keep your communication on the platform until you've completed the transaction.
Tips for selling safely
Protect yourself when selling items on Owning.
Don't ship before payment clears
Wait until payment is confirmed and cleared in your account before shipping. A screenshot of a transfer is not confirmation — check your actual account.
Meet in public
Same as buyers: meet in a public place for in-person exchanges. Don't give out your home address to strangers.
Document the item's condition
Take clear photos of the item's condition before handing it over. This protects you if the buyer later claims it was damaged during the sale.
Beware of overpayment scams
If a buyer sends you more than the asking price and asks you to refund the difference, it's a scam. The original payment will be reversed and you'll lose the money.
Keep records of everything
Save your conversation history, payment confirmations, and shipping tracking numbers. If a dispute arises, you'll have evidence.
Be cautious with personal information
Don't share your bank account details, ID documents, or home address until you've established trust. Scammers can use this information for identity theft.
Common scam patterns
Scammers use predictable tactics. Learn to recognize these red flags before you lose money.
Price too good to be true
A brand-new iPhone for €100. A boat worth €100,000 listed at €15,000. If the price is dramatically lower than market value, it's almost certainly a scam.
Urgency and pressure
"I need to sell today, pay now or I'll give it to someone else." Scammers create false urgency to stop you from thinking clearly. A legitimate seller will give you time.
Requests for advance payment
"Pay a deposit to reserve the item." "Send shipping costs upfront via Western Union." Never send money before receiving the item (in person) or using a protected payment method.
Moving off-platform
"Let's continue on WhatsApp." "Email me directly." Scammers want to leave Owning where there's no record and no moderation. Stay on the platform.
Overpayment + refund request
The buyer "accidentally" sends too much and asks you to return the difference. The original payment is fake or will be reversed — you lose the refunded amount.
Fake escrow or shipping services
The seller insists on using a specific "escrow service" or "shipping company" that turns out to be a fake website designed to steal your payment.
Stock photos or no photos
The listing uses professional stock images instead of real photos, or has no photos at all. Ask for real photos of the actual item. If the seller can't provide them, it's suspicious.
Too good to be true shipping
"I'm abroad but I'll ship it free." A seller offering free international shipping on a heavy item is likely setting up an advance payment scam.
How to report suspicious activity
If you see something that doesn't look right, tell us. Every report is reviewed by our moderation team.
Flag a listing
Open the listing and click the "Flag" button. Choose a reason (scam, prohibited item, inappropriate content, or other) and submit. The listing is reviewed by our moderation team — if it receives 3 unresolved flags, it's automatically hidden pending admin review.
Report a user or message
If a user sends you suspicious messages or tries to move the conversation off-platform to scam you, email us with the conversation details:
hello@owning.proWhat happens after you report
- Our moderation team reviews the report — usually within 24 hours.
- If the listing violates our policies, it's removed and the seller is notified.
- Repeated violations result in account suspension.
- For serious cases (fraud, illegal items), we cooperate with law enforcement.
The golden rules
If it's too good to be true, it is.
Meet in public. Inspect before you pay.
Never pay in advance to someone you don't trust.
Keep communication on Owning.
Report anything suspicious — you're helping the community.