The vast majority of DoneDeal users are trustworthy and genuine.
Nevertheless, it is very important to have the same common sense and take the same precautions online as you would offline.
The following guidelines will help you stay safe when buying goods through classified ads:
- Deal with people locally, who you can meet in person (this simple rule helps you avoid 99% of the safety or security issues people face).
- Do not pay in advance for goods.
- Beware if the goods are cheaper than normal.
- Be wary if a seller is putting pressure on you to make a quick decision.
- Please beware of forgeries e.g. big brand name goods, tickets and multimedia products that are not originals.
- Always get a signed proof of purchase.
- If the seller has a mobile phone number, also ask for a landline number (e.g. home or workplace phone), so you can make contact if there is a problem with the product.
- Read our top tips for buying second hand goods, dogs, cats, a horse or cars.
Payment
- Use cash or bank drafts when paying for goods.
- Never pay for goods through Western Union or other similar money transfer services.
- DoneDeal does not endorse any escrow company i.e. companies that will transfer money on behalf of a buyer. We recommend that DoneDealers meet with a buyer or seller in person.
Buying a vehicle?
- Check with the Hire Purchase Register (Ph: 01 2600905) that the car is not under a Hire Purchase agreement.
- Check the car history, there are a number of great Irish online services: MyWheels, Motorcheck, Cartell.
- Get a trusted mechanic to do a check up on the vehicle before handing over the money.