Safety Tips
Your safety is our top priority. Please read these guidelines carefully before using the platform.
Important Notice
MatchzClassified is a classifieds platform that connects advertisers and browsers. We do not verify, endorse, or guarantee any services offered through our platform. Always exercise caution and common sense when arranging meetings or exchanging personal information with anyone you meet online.
Meeting Safely
Choose public or well-known locations
For initial meetings, always choose a safe, familiar location. If you are meeting someone for the first time, a public venue such as a hotel lobby or a well-lit public area is significantly safer than a private residence. Trust your instincts and do not go anywhere that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Tell someone where you are going
Always let a trusted friend or family member know where you are going, who you are meeting, and when you expect to return. Consider sharing your live location with someone you trust. This simple step can make a significant difference in an emergency.
Arrange your own transport
Always arrange your own transport to and from meetings. Do not accept lifts from people you have not met before. Having your own transport means you can leave at any time if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
Trust your instincts
If something does not feel right, leave immediately. You are never obligated to stay in a situation that makes you uncomfortable. Your safety is more important than politeness. If a person is pressuring you or behaving in a way that concerns you, remove yourself from the situation and report them on the platform.
Protecting Your Personal Information
Use our messaging system first
Our built-in messaging system is designed to let you communicate without sharing personal contact details such as your phone number, email, or home address. Use it for initial conversations and only share personal information when you are confident the other person is trustworthy.
Never share financial details
Never share your bank account details, credit card numbers, PINs, or passwords with anyone on the platform. Legitimate users will never ask for this information. If someone requests financial details outside of our secure payment system, report them immediately.
Be cautious with photos
Be mindful of the photos you share. Avoid sending photos that contain identifiable information such as your home address, workplace, car registration number, or other personal details visible in the background. Once a photo is shared, you cannot control how it is used.
Use a separate communication channel
If you decide to share contact information, consider using a separate phone number or email address that is not linked to your primary personal accounts. Many people use a dedicated number for classifieds interactions to maintain their privacy.
Payment Safety
Be wary of advance payments
Be extremely cautious if someone asks for payment in advance, especially through untraceable methods such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. Legitimate service providers typically do not require full payment before you have met in person. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Platform payments are secure
All payments made through MatchzClassified for subscriptions and tokens are processed securely via Stripe, a PCI-compliant payment processor. We never store your full card details. Only make platform-related payments through our official checkout process.
Watch for common scams
Be alert to common scam patterns: requests for deposits before meeting, links to external payment sites, offers that seem too good to be true, or pressure to act quickly. If you encounter any suspicious behaviour, do not send money and report the user immediately.
Reporting Issues
Report suspicious listings
If you come across a listing that appears to be fake, misleading, or in violation of our terms, please report it using the report button on the listing page. Our moderation team reviews all reports and takes action to remove offending content and warn or suspend the responsible accounts.
Report abusive users
If a user is harassing you, threatening you, or behaving inappropriately, report them through the messaging system or via our contact page. We take all reports of abuse seriously and will investigate promptly. In cases of immediate danger, always contact your local police first.
Contact us directly
If you need to report an urgent safety concern or require assistance that goes beyond what the in-platform reporting tools offer, please contact our support team directly through our contact page. We aim to respond to urgent safety reports within four hours.
Tips for Advertisers
- Get verified to build trust with potential clients and increase your visibility.
- Screen enquiries carefully before sharing personal details or arranging meetings.
- Keep records of all communications through the platform messaging system.
- Set clear boundaries in your listing and stick to them during interactions.
- Report any users who attempt to pressure, harass, or threaten you.
- Use a separate phone number and email for your advertising activity.
In an Emergency
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 (UK Emergency Services) immediately. Do not wait to file a report on the platform first. Your personal safety always comes first. After you are safe, please report the incident to us so we can take action on our platform.