Safe meetup checklist
Practical steps before you buy or sell locally in India.
Why meetup safety matters
Most second-hand fraud in India happens at or just before meetup. Payment scams, fake inspection, item switching, and identity fraud all have simple countermeasures — if you know them.
Before you agree to meet
Verify the listing was created by a phone-verified seller. Check the FairPrice score — significantly overpriced items are a fraud signal. Read reviews and trust score. If the seller insists on WhatsApp-only communication, treat it as a red flag.
Choose your meeting spot
Meet in a well-lit, busy public location during daylight hours. Police stations, bank ATM lobbies, shopping mall food courts, and metro station exits are all ideal. Never go to a stranger's home or an isolated location for a first meetup.
Payment rules
Pay only after physically inspecting the item in working condition. Never pay a 'booking advance' to hold an item — legitimate sellers don't require this. Prefer UPI face-to-face (scan and pay after inspection). Never share your UPI PIN, CVV, or OTP with anyone.
Inspecting the item
For phones: check IMEI (Settings → About → IMEI) matches the box, test all hardware (camera, speakers, buttons), check battery health, and verify IMEI is not blacklisted. For laptops: boot to OS, check battery cycles, test all ports. For appliances: plug in and run a test cycle.
Documents for vehicles
Always check RC (Registration Certificate), insurance papers, and NOC if applicable. Verify the seller's name on RC matches their ID. Run an RTO check on the vehicle number. Never transfer payment before completing RTO transfer formalities.
If something feels wrong
Trust your instincts. If the seller is rushed, evasive about the item's history, or insists on unusual payment methods, walk away. Report the listing immediately from the product page. Your report helps protect other buyers.
FairPrice AI · July 2026