At WildcatAds.com & Arizona Student Media, your safety is our top priority. While we work hard to keep our platform secure, it’s important that you stay alert and protect yourself when buying or selling online. Follow these guidelines to stay safe and avoid scams.

General Safety Tips

• Meet in public places – Always meet in a well-lit, busy location (e.g., coffee shop, mall).
• Bring a friend – If possible, take someone with you when meeting a buyer or seller.
• Trust your instincts – If something feels off, walk away.
• Avoid sharing personal info – Don’t share your full address, banking details, or other sensitive information.

Payment Guidelines

• Cash is king – For in-person transactions, cash is often safest.
• Use secure payment methods – PayPal and similar platforms offer buyer and seller protection.
• Avoid wire transfers – Scammers often ask for payment via Western Union or gift cards — avoid these!
• Don’t ship before payment – Only send items once payment has cleared in your account.

Avoiding Scams

• Beware of “too good to be true” deals – If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
• Watch for urgency or pressure – Scammers often create a sense of urgency to make you act quickly.
• Check the details – Fake listings or profiles may have poor grammar, missing photos, or vague details.
• Avoid overpayment schemes – If someone “accidentally” overpays and asks you to refund the difference, it’s likely a scam.

Reporting Suspicious Activity

If you come across suspicious behavior or feel like you’re being scammed:

• Report it to us – Use the “Report” button on the listing or contact our support team at Contact Us.
• Block the user – You can block users who seem suspicious.
• Contact local authorities – If you’ve been scammed, contact your local law enforcement.

Protect Your Account

• Use a strong password – Include letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) – If available, 2FA adds an extra layer of protection.
• Don’t share login info – Never give your password or login details to anyone.
• Be wary of phishing – If you get an email or message asking for your password, it’s probably a scam.

Final Advice

Stay alert, trust your instincts, and always prioritize safety. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to us at Contact Us — we’re here to help!

Stay safe and happy buying and selling!