FlashMarket is committed to keeping our community safe. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself when buying and selling.
Always meet in a well-lit, busy public location such as a shopping centre, café, or police station parking lot. Avoid meeting at your home or in isolated areas.
When meeting a stranger, bring someone you trust — especially for high-value items. Let someone know where you're going and when you expect to be back.
Legitimate sellers do not ask for payment before you've seen the item. Be extremely cautious of anyone asking for bank transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency before meeting.
Always check the item thoroughly before handing over any money. Test electronics, check for damage, and verify serial numbers match any documentation.
Keep your conversations on FlashMarket. This protects you if something goes wrong and gives you a record of what was agreed. Be cautious if someone tries to move you to WhatsApp or email too quickly.
Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, sellers who are in a rush, requests for unusual payment methods, or anyone who won't meet in person.
Cash is best for in-person transactions. If paying electronically, use bank transfer only after you've received and checked the item. Never pay by gift card.
Ask for additional photos if you're unsure. Reverse-image search the listing photos to check they haven't been stolen from another listing or the internet.
Never share your NZ bank account number, IRD number, date of birth, or passwords with buyers or sellers. FlashMarket will never ask for these details.
If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. Report suspicious listings or users using the report button, or contact us directly. You can also report scams to Netsafe (netsafe.org.nz) or NZ Police.
If you are in immediate danger, call 111. For non-emergency police matters, call 105. To report online scams, visit netsafe.org.nz.