Safety & Scam Prevention
Your Guide to Secure Trading
At Free-Ads.org, your safety is our top priority. We are committed to providing a secure, fair, and transparent online marketplace where buyers, sellers, and advertisers can connect with confidence. While most transactions on our platform are safe and friendly, it is essential to remain alert.
| ⚡The Golden Rule: Whenever possible, deal locally and face-to-face. Meeting in person and inspecting the item before payment eliminates 99% of scam attempts. |
🚫 Common Online Scams to Watch Out For
Be aware of these common tactics used by scammers to gain trust or steal funds:
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The "I'm Currently Abroad" Scam: A seller claims to be a soldier, doctor, or engineer working overseas. They claim they cannot meet but will ship the item via a "trusted agent" once you pay. Reality: The item does not exist.
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SMS Verification Code Scam: A "buyer" asks you for a 6-digit code sent to your phone to "verify you are real." Reality: They are trying to hack your Google, WhatsApp, or Bank account. Never share this code.
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Fake Payment Confirmations: Scammers send fake emails that look like PayPal or Bank receipts claiming money is "pending" until you ship the item or pay a "activation fee."
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Overpayment Scams: A buyer sends a check or digital payment for more than the asking price and asks you to refund the difference. The original payment will eventually bounce, leaving you responsible for the lost funds.
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Fake Escrow/Shipping Services: Avoid third-party "shipping companies" or "escrow" websites suggested by a stranger. Free-Ads.org does not handle shipping or payments.
💡 Top Safety Tips for Buyers
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Deal Locally: Meet the seller in a safe, public place (like a cafe, mall, or near a police station).
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Inspect Before You Pay: Check the item carefully. For electronics, turn them on; for vehicles, take a test drive; for rentals, visit the property in person.
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Verify the Offer: If a high-value item (like a new iPhone or a Luxury Car) is listed for a fraction of its market price, it is almost certainly a scam.
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Secure Payments: Cash-on-delivery or instant bank transfers after meeting and inspecting the item are the safest methods.
💬 Smart Tips for Sellers
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Meet in Public: Avoid isolated places or inviting strangers into your home when you are alone.
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Verify the Funds: Do not hand over the item until you have confirmed the cash is genuine or the bank transfer is fully cleared and visible in your own banking app.
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Keep Communication on the Platform: Always use the official Free-Ads.org chat. Scammers often try to move you to WhatsApp or personal email immediately to avoid our safety filters.
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Protect Your Privacy: Avoid sharing copies of your ID, bank passwords, or OTPs (One-Time Passwords).
🏠 Category-Specific Safety Advice
Real Estate & Rentals
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Never pay a security deposit or "holding fee" before touring the property and meeting the landlord/agent in person.
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Be cautious of "owners" who claim they are out of the country and will mail you the keys after payment.
Vehicles & Automotive
🛑 AdSense Compliance: Prohibited Items
To maintain a safe environment and comply with Google AdSense Publisher Policies, we strictly prohibit and remove ads for:
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Illegal Substances: Drugs, prescription medications, and paraphernalia.
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Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, and explosives.
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Adult Content: Sexually explicit material or services.
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Counterfeit Goods: Pirated software, "replicas," or copyright-infringing media.
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Endangered Species: Animals or products derived from protected wildlife.
🔒 Account & Email Security
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Strong Passwords: Use a unique password with a mix of numbers, symbols, and letters.
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Beware of Phishing: Ignore emails asking you to click a link to "verify your account" unless you requested it. Always check that emails come from @free-ads.org.
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Safe Sender List: To ensure you don't miss important messages, add listing [at] free-ads [dot] org to your email whitelist.
🕵️ How to Report Suspicious Activity
If you encounter a suspicious listing or a user who behaves inappropriately, please act immediately:
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Report the Ad: Click the "Report" flag or button on the listing page.
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Block the User: Use the blocking feature in your chat dashboard.
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Email Us: Contact our support team directly at support at] free-ads [dot] org.
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Contact Authorities: If you have been a victim of a crime, report it to your local police and provide them with all ad details and communication logs.
Together, we can make Free-Ads.org a safer online community for everyone.
🧠 Remember: Your Safety Starts With You
While we continuously monitor and moderate listings, your awareness is the best protection. Stay alert, verify before you trust, and never send money to strangers.
Together, we can make Free-Ads.com a safer online community for everyone
