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

Product safety standards

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

the face and body of a cute white lamb with short fluffy wool
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Agricultural compounds and Trade Me

Is your product an agricultural compound or veterinary medicine and what you need to do to sell it on Trade Me

9 February 2021

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

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

a red lighter
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Careful with that cigarette lighter, Eugene

Here's what you need to know when buying or selling cigarette lighters.

9 October 2023

Lightning bolt graphic, with a orange-red outline and bright yellow fill
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Electrical safety check: appliances & fittings

Selling electrical items? Find out what you need to know before you sell them, and what goods can't be sold.

13 October 2023

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

Black and white, low exposure photo of a person using a laptop.
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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