Safe exchange tips
Meeting someone in person to complete a marketplace exchange is common. These tips help you stay safe.
Meet in a safe place
- Public places — Coffee shops, mall parking lots, or police station lobbies are good options. Many police stations have designated “safe exchange” areas.
- Daylight — Prefer meeting during the day in a well-lit area.
- Bring a friend — For higher-value items or if you’re unsure, bring someone with you.
Before you meet
- Communicate on the platform — Keep the conversation in TimeFotos messaging until you’re comfortable. Avoid sharing personal contact details too early.
- Agree on price and condition — Confirm the price (or that it’s free), condition, and what’s included so there are no surprises.
- Tell someone — Let a friend or family member know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
During the exchange
- Inspect the item — For purchases, check the item before handing over payment. For free items, confirm it’s what you expected.
- Use cash or a secure payment method — Avoid wiring money or sending gift cards to strangers. In-person cash or a trusted payment app at the time of meeting is safer.
- Trust your instincts — If something feels off, you can cancel or reschedule. You’re not obligated to complete the exchange.
What to avoid
- Don’t send payment in advance to someone you haven’t met unless you’re using a protected method and understand the risks.
- Don’t meet at your home (or theirs) for a first exchange with a stranger — choose a neutral, public location.
- Don’t share more personal info than needed — No need to give your full address, financial details, or ID unless required for a specific reason (e.g. rental agreement).
If something goes wrong
- Leave if you feel unsafe. You can report the user or listing afterward.
- Report scams, threats, or policy violations — see How to report a listing or user.
- Contact support if you need help — see How to contact support.
Following these steps doesn’t guarantee safety, but it reduces risk and is consistent with how many people safely buy, sell, and give items locally.