Stay safe, trade smart

Avoid scams, follow the rules and trade with total confidence.

Scam alerts

Learn about the latest scams we're spotting on Trade Me, from phishing links to fake job advertisements.

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🚨SCAM ALERT🚨 How to protect yourself from 'buy now' scams

Scammers are targeting everyday sellers like you. Find out what to look for, and how to stop them in their tracks.

8 September 2023

Graphic illustration showing a hand tossing some keys in the air, with another hand trying to catch them with a net.
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Freight forward scams: how to spot and avoid them

Selling a vehicle online? We'll show you what to look out for, to keep yourself safe freight forwarding scams.

4 August 2023

A real life example of a survey scam email: "Congratulations! You have been selected to participate in an anonymous google survey. Upon completion you will be offered an exclusive free gift for your participation."
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Scam safety: How to spot a sneaky survey scam

Check out our guide to learn what survey scams are, what they look like, and how to avoid them.

1 September 2023

Maude the Griffon, wearing a fluffy baby blue jumper in front of a red background.
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Scam safety: How to avoid puppy scams

Pet scammers prey on your emotions and push you to buy. Find out what to look out for.

6 September 2023

Abstract illustration, left to right: hardhat, briefcase, thermos flask. Clock on the wall above.
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Scam safety: 5 tips to help you avoid job scams

With recruitment scams on the rise, knowing how to avoid them is more important than ever.

7 July 2023

A hooded figure behind a laptop
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Trade Me username scam - how to protect yourself

Usernames that are similar to your email address are easy targets for online scammers. Here’s how you can stay safe.

8 September 2023

Product safety standards

From bicycle helmets to baby cots, learn about the mandatory safety standards items must meet before they can be listed.

A variety of colourful toys.
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Play it safe: A seller’s guide to toy safety

If you’re selling toys, it's your responsibility to make sure they're safe and meet New Zealand's legal requirements

8 September 2025

A mother, father, and child wearing matching pyjamas.
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Fire safety: Make sure children's pyjamas are safe to sell

Check out our guide to learn about fire safety when it comes selling children's pyjamas.

11 September 2025

Child car seat safety. Image shows a car seat on a blue background
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How to safely list a child's car seat restraint

Find out what the rules are when selling used children's car seats, and what to look for as a buyer.

1 August 2025

A traditional ladder on a yellow background
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Safety first: Multipurpose ladders

Find out about the safety standards that all new ladders must meet.

3 November 2023

selling sunscreen on trade me
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Selling Sunscreen? Don't Get Burnt by the Rules

As the days get longer and the mercury soars, many of us will be reaching for the sunscreen to protect from the sun.

16 September 2025

Learn about infant sleep product safety – Te Hāhū Hauora, Health Qaulity & Safety Commission logo
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Safety considerations for second-hand infant sleep products

When looking to buy a second hand cot ensure compliance with mandatory safety standard AS/NZS 2172:2003

18 August 2025

Seller best practice

Best practice for honest sellers. Avoid misleading claims, use images legally, and comply with all safety and restricted product lists.

Left to right: Apple AirPods, a box of Band-Aids, Chapstick, Twink.
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Do you know these trademarked brand names?

Many names we use for items are trademarked brand names. Find out about some common ones and how to use them correctly.

25 August 2023

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Copyright: What it means for you as a seller

Owning and distributing unlicensed copies of music and videos is illegal – even if you're not selling them.

8 June 2023