Safety Tips
Reboot Market is built around trust, but we also want to make sure you're looking out for yourself. Here's how to have a safe experience.
For Buyers
Meet in a safe, public location
Police stations, bank lobbies, and busy coffee shops are all good options. Many police departments have designated safe exchange zones in their parking lots. Don't meet at someone's home for a first transaction.
Inspect the device thoroughly before paying
Power on the device. Check the screen for dead pixels, test all buttons and ports, verify the storage capacity in Settings, and check battery health. For phones, make sure Find My is turned off and the device is factory reset.
Keep all communication on the platform
Sellers who ask you to text, email, or call them directly may be trying to take the conversation off-platform where there's no record. Reboot Market's messaging system logs conversations for your protection.
Never send payment before receiving the item
Don't wire money, send gift cards, use Zelle/Venmo, or pay via cryptocurrency for items you haven't inspected. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Verify the IMEI/serial number
For phones and tablets, check the IMEI against stolen device databases (like GSMA). For Apple devices, check the serial on Apple's coverage checker. A seller who refuses to share the serial number is a red flag.
Use secure payment methods
Cash is safest for local transactions. For shipped items, use Reboot Market's built-in payment (coming soon) or PayPal Goods & Services, which offers buyer protection. Never use Friends & Family, wire transfers, or crypto.
For Sellers
- Be upfront about flaws
Disclose all damage, scratches, battery degradation, and missing accessories. Honest listings get better reviews and fewer disputes. Take close-up photos of any imperfections. - Don't share unnecessary personal info
You don't need to give buyers your phone number, email address, or home address. Use Reboot Market's messaging system and meet in public places. - Watch for overpayment scams
If a buyer sends you more than your asking price and asks you to refund the difference, it's a scam. The original payment will bounce, and you'll be out the "refund" money. - Factory reset before selling
Remove your personal data, sign out of all accounts (iCloud, Google, Samsung), and perform a factory reset. For Apple devices, make sure to turn off Find My before resetting. - Keep records of the transaction
Save your Reboot Market message thread, take a photo of the item with the buyer at the meeting spot, and get a receipt or confirmation if possible. This helps resolve any disputes.
Red Flags to Watch For
| What they say | Why it's a red flag |
|---|---|
| "Send me your number so I can text you photos" | Scammers want to move off-platform where conversations aren't logged. They may use your number for spam or phishing. |
| "I'll pay extra if you ship it today" | Overpayment scam. The initial payment will reverse and you'll lose both the item and the money. |
| "Can you hold it? I'll send a deposit via Zelle" | The Zelle payment will be from a hacked account and will be reversed. You'll have taken the listing down for nothing. |
| "My assistant will pick it up with a cashier's check" | Cashier's checks can be counterfeited. By the time it bounces (days later), the item is gone. |
Encountered something suspicious?
Report it to us and we'll investigate. We take fraud seriously and will remove bad actors from the platform.
Report a Problem