Safety tips

Money

• Never send money by wire transfer, Western Union, MoneyGram, Zelle, Cash App, gift cards or crypto to someone you have not met. Those payments cannot be taken back.
• Be careful with anyone who asks you to pay before you see the item or the apartment, or who has a reason they cannot meet.
• Ignore offers to pay you more than the price and have you send back the difference. That check will bounce.

Housing

• Visit the apartment or room in person, and meet the landlord, before you pay a deposit.
• Ask for a written lease and a receipt for every payment.
• A rent far below others in the same area is a warning sign.

Jobs

• A real employer never asks you to pay for a job, training or equipment up front.
• Do not give your national ID or Social Security number, or bank details, until you have met the employer and seen a written offer.

Meeting

• Meet in a busy public place in daylight: a store, a bank lobby or a police station parking lot.
• Bring someone with you, and tell a friend where you are going.
• Check the item before you pay. For a car, see the title and get it checked by a mechanic.

Shipping and paying online

• Be wary of buyers or sellers who will only deal by shipping. Local, in person, is safest.
• Never click a payment or “escrow” link someone sends you. BlueRum does not handle payments or shipping.

If something looks wrong

Use “Report this ad” on the ad. If you have lost money, also report it to your local police and, in the United States, at reportfraud.ftc.gov.