How to Verify Items Before Meeting Sellers
The complete safety guide for marketplace meetups. Learn to verify items aren't stolen and protect yourself when buying from Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craigslist, and other platforms.
Pre-Meetup Verification Checklist
- 1
Request Identifying Information
Message the seller and ask for: IMEI (phones), VIN (vehicles), or serial number (electronics). A legitimate seller will provide this without hesitation.
- 2
Verify with SafeOrStolen
Enter the identifier into SafeOrStolen's free verification tool. If the item is flagged as stolen, do not proceed with the meetup.
- 3
Research the Seller
Check their profile history, ratings, and previous listings. New accounts with no history are higher risk.
- 4
Download the SafeOrStolen App
Install the app before your meetup so you can re-verify the item on-site. The app works offline and scans barcodes in seconds.
Choosing Safe Meetup Locations
✓ Safe Options
- • Police station safe exchange zones
- • Bank lobbies during business hours
- • Busy coffee shops with seating
- • Shopping mall common areas
- • Public library entrances
- • Well-lit gas station parking lots
✗ Avoid These
- • Seller's home or private property
- • Secluded parking lots
- • After dark in any location
- • Unfamiliar neighborhoods
- • Anywhere without witnesses
- • Locations with no cell service
At the Meetup - What to Do
Bring Someone With You
Never go alone to a marketplace meetup. Having a friend or family member provides safety and a witness to the transaction.
Re-Verify On-Site
Use the SafeOrStolen app to verify the actual item matches what was described. Scan the barcode or manually enter the serial number to confirm.
Test the Item
For phones: make a call, check IMEI in settings. For vehicles: test drive, verify VIN matches title. For electronics: power on and test all functions.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels wrong, walk away. No deal is worth your safety. A legitimate seller will understand if you need more time or information.
Verify Items On-the-Spot
Download the SafeOrStolen app to verify items at meetup locations. Works offline with 3-second barcode scanning.
Download Free AppMeetup Safety FAQs
How do I verify an item before meeting a seller?
Ask the seller for the IMEI, VIN, or serial number before agreeing to meet. Enter it into SafeOrStolen to verify the item isn't reported stolen. Only proceed if verification passes.
What if the seller won't provide a serial number?
This is a major red flag. Legitimate sellers have nothing to hide. If they refuse to provide identifying information, don't proceed with the meetup.
Where is the safest place to meet marketplace sellers?
Police station safe exchange zones are the safest. Many departments offer monitored parking areas for transactions. Otherwise, busy public places during daylight hours.
Can I verify items at the meetup location?
Yes! Download the SafeOrStolen app to verify items on-the-spot. The app works offline and can scan barcodes in 3 seconds.
What should I bring to a meetup?
Your phone with SafeOrStolen app installed, a friend or family member, cash in small bills (if paying cash), and a way to test the item if applicable.
Stay Safe - Verify Before You Meet
A few minutes of verification can save you from hours of problems.