Used Dudley
Used Dudley Safety centre

Stay sharp

Safety centre

Most local deals are straightforward. A few sensible checks can keep them that way.

Last updated 19 September 2026
Stop if the deal feels wrong

Pressure, secrecy, advance payments and a price that makes no sense are reasons to pause—not reasons to rush.

01

Start here

Five golden rules

  1. 1
    See the item

    Inspect it properly before sending money.

  2. 2
    Check the details

    Compare the advert, seller information and item itself.

  3. 3
    Keep control

    Do not let anyone pressure you into a rushed decision.

  4. 4
    Meet sensibly

    Use a public, well-lit place and tell someone your plans.

  5. 5
    Trust the warning signs

    Walking away is cheaper than discovering a scam later.

02

Collection and viewing

Meeting safely

Good practice

  • Meet in daylight and somewhere public when practical.
  • Tell somebody where you are going and when you expect to return.
  • Take another person for higher-value items or unfamiliar locations.
  • Let a buyer inspect an item without giving access to the rest of your home.

Avoid

  • Late-night collections from an address you do not know.
  • Carrying large amounts of cash alone.
  • Handing over an item because somebody shows a payment screenshot.
  • Sharing unnecessary identity documents or financial details.
03

Before money moves

Payments and deposits

  • Do not rely on screenshots, emails or messages claiming a payment has arrived—check your own account.
  • Avoid gift cards, cryptocurrency or unusual payment services requested by a stranger.
  • Be cautious about deposits before viewing, particularly when the seller creates urgency.
  • Never send extra money to “unlock” a payment, arrange a courier or release an item.
  • Used Dudley does not hold funds, provide escrow or send payment-confirmation messages.
04

Pause and check

Common warning signs

£Far too cheap

The price is dramatically below similar items with no believable explanation.

↗Moved off-site

They immediately push you to another app, fake payment page or courier link.

⌛Artificial urgency

You are told to pay now because several other buyers are supposedly waiting.

?Details do not match

Names, locations, photos, bank details or the seller’s story keep changing.

05

Cars and vans

Extra vehicle checks

  • See and test the vehicle before agreeing to buy it.
  • Match the registration and VIN to the V5C logbook and the physical vehicle.
  • Check MOT history, mileage patterns, recalls and tax information through official GOV.UK services.
  • Consider an independent history or mechanical check for a higher-value purchase.
  • Be suspicious of cloned adverts, sellers without the vehicle and requests for a holding deposit.
Check MOT history on GOV.UK ↗
06

When something happens

Report a concern

Report suspicious adverts using the advert’s report control. For account problems or supporting information, use the private Used Dudley contact form.

If money has been lost or a crime may have taken place, contact the appropriate police or fraud-reporting service. Call 999 when somebody is in immediate danger; use 101 for non-emergency police matters.

Contact Used Dudley Police safety advice ↗