Found the perfect item but not quite sure how to pay for it?
You may be limited by the payment methods the seller has indicated they will accept, but here's some information on which ones are likely to be safer options, and why others may be less so.
Payment methods
Safer methods
- Online payment methods
Online payment methods such as Paypal and Paymate allow you to keep your financial details (eg bank account details) private from the other party and also provide proof of purchase.
- ‘Inspect & Collect’
Request to meet with the seller and inspect the item before you pay for it. By exchanging goods and payment at the same time you are more likely to receive what you pay for.
- Credit Cards
Payments by credit card are traceable and some credit card companies will provide you with a level of payment protection.
- Escrow services
These are third-party services that hold the money until you receive delivery of the goods. Be sure to look into reputable services before you use this payment option.
Not so safe methods
- Bank Deposit
If you have the seller’s bank details, then transferring cash through your bank will provide a record of the transaction.
- Money Order
Provide proof of purchase and may allow you to suspend the payment if things don't go to plan.
- Cash in the mail
Cash in the mail can easily get lost and provides you with no proof of payment if it goes astray.
Prohibited methods
- Money transfer services (eg Money Gram and Western Union)
These are often used to quickly transfer money overseas to another person. As fraudulent sellers have been known to use these services to scam buyers, these payments methods are prohibited on www.tradingpost.com.au
10 tips for paying safely
- Only use a payment method you feel comfortable with.
Just because the seller does not offer an alternative option initially in their ad does not mean they won’t accept it. Use the question and answer tool to discuss other options you would prefer to use. You may be pleasantly surprised by their response.
- Receive proof of purchase
Use a method of payment that provides you with proof of purchase (such as a confirmation email, receipt etc) and keep a record of your purchase.
- Check the latest scams.
We update our site regularly with information about scams that have come to the attention of Trading Post®, and how to recognise them. We encourage you check our site regularly for scam updates.
- Be wary of a seller who will only accept payment via a money transfer service.
These services are prohibited on tradingpost.com.au
- Be wary if a seller recommends an escrow service.
Fraudsters have been known to scam buyers by using non-existent escrow services or faking correspondence from legitimate escrow services e.g receipts, emails. Make sure you check out the service before you agree to use it.
- Be cautious when asked to transact overseas,
Trading Post users are required to reside in Australia, If you receive a request to transfer payment outside of Australia please report the seller immediately to Trading Post®. Report user to our Online Customer Support team
- If you are buying or selling an expensive or rare item take particular care.
Scammers may target these items more.
- Contact the seller before you pay.
This will help you check that you have their correct contact details.
- Don’t use money transfer services (eg Western Union of Money Gram) to send a payment to someone you do not know. These services themselves even recommend against using them for payments to people you do not know and are prohibited on tradingpost.com.au
- Don’t send cash in the mail.
Report fraud!
Trading Post® takes illegal activities and your security on our site very seriously, so we strongly encourage you to report suspected fraudulent or suspicious behaviour.
Please Trading Post Online team if:
- there has been unauthorised activity on your account
- you received invalid contact information from another buyer or seller
- you have not received an item you purchased, or the item was not as described
- you believe that a buyer or seller is not genuine.
