Found the perfect item but not sure of the best way to pay? The seller will have stated which payment methods they will accept, some of which are probably considered safer than others. You will need to choose one of the methods they’ve listed – preferably one of the safer options.

Safer payment methods

Our legal guys say we’re not allowed to tell you which payment methods to use. However, here are some things we CAN say…

1. Using a safer payment method is definitely in your best interests
2. Money transfer services (eg Money Gram, Western Union and goldmoney.com) are banned on our site because we don’t consider them safe
3. A payment method may be considered safer if:

• the service provider offers financial and anti-fraud protection for buyers and sellers
• the personal and financial details of both traders are kept private (even from each other) and are secure
• the transaction is traceable and/or refundable (in case a dispute arises)
• the service provider holds the appropriate financial services licences.

Compare them for yourself

Banned payment methods

Money transfer services (eg Money Gram, Western Union and goldmoney.com) are banned on our site.

We consider money transfer services to be unsafe as a payment method because:

• money is transferred with minutes and can be picked up straight away with no way out if something goes wrong, and
• we know fraudsters have used these services to scam buyers
• even the companies offering these services recommend against using them to pay for online purchases, especially to people you don’t know.

Sellers on tradingpost.com.au are not allowed to ask you to pay via a money transfer service. Please report a seller to us if they ask you to.

Checklist: Paying safely

1. Banned payment methods
   Don’t buy from a seller who asks you to pay via a money transfer service (eg Western Union, Money Gram or goldmoney.com).
2. Changed payment methods
   Don’t make a payment to a seller who originally offered a safer payment method but told you it was no longer available after you bought the item.
3. Only use a payment method you are comfortable using 
   Feel free to use the question and answer tool to ask the seller if they will accept another payment option you would prefer to use. The option you suggest must comply with our Accepted Payment Methods Policy, and the seller gets to decide.
4. Get 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.
5. Check out an escrow service before you use it
   Fraudsters have been known to scam buyers by using non-existent escrow services or faking correspondence from legitimate escrow services. Make sure you check out the service before you agree to use it.
6. Check the latest scams
   We provide regular updates about scams that have come to our attention. We encourage you check the scam updates regularly.
7. Sending a payment overseas? Check with us first!
   Members on tradingpost.com.au must live in Australia. If a sellers asks you to transfer payment outside of Australia, please report them <webform> to us immediately.
8. Rare and expensive items
   If you are buying or selling an expensive or rare item take particular care. Scammers often target buyers and sellers with these items.
9. Contact the seller before you pay
   This will help you check that you have their correct contact details.
10. Never send cash in the mail

Report fraud!

We don’t want dodgy traders on our site and are very serious when it comes to your security. Help us protect you and other members by reporting fraudulent, illegal or suspicious behaviour.

Related topics

Buyers guide to payment methods
Acceptable Payment Methods Policy
Completing your purchase
Buying safely
Reporting fraud
Identifying scams