Trading safely

Tom’s Mini Mall is free and local. Buyers and sellers meet and pay each other directly. These steps keep almost every deal safe.

Where to meet

Police exchange zones. Roseville Police Department has a marked exchange area in front of its building at 1051 Junction Blvd, Roseville, with video recording. Sacramento Police has an Online Exchange Zone at 5303 Franklin Blvd, Sacramento.
Elsewhere: a police or sheriff’s station lobby during business hours, a bank lobby, or a busy store entrance with cameras. Never meet at a home, in an empty lot, or after dark.
Bring a friend for large items or large amounts of cash, and tell someone where you’re going.

See the item before any money changes hands. Never pay a deposit to “hold” an item or a rental.
Cash in person is safest. For a large amount, meet at the buyer’s bank and watch the cash being withdrawn.
Don’t accept cashier’s checks, money orders or certified checks from strangers. Fake ones look real and bounce days later.
Never send back “extra” money from an overpayment. That is always a scam.
Payment apps, wire transfers, gift cards and crypto can’t be reversed. Don’t use them with someone you haven’t met.

Verification codes sent to your phone or email. Anyone who asks for one is trying to take over your phone number or accounts.
Bank logins, card numbers, your Social Security number or a photo of your ID.

The other person can’t meet, is “out of town,” or is sending a shipper, mover or agent.
They want to move the chat to text, email or another app right away.
A price that’s far too good, pressure to decide now, or a sad story asking for money first.
For an item that could be stolen (tools, bikes, electronics, catalytic converters), no receipt and a serial number that’s scratched off.

Check that the VIN on the title, the dashboard and the door frame all match.
In California the seller provides a smog certificate from the last 90 days (unless exempt), signs the title over, and files the DMV Release of Liability (REG 138) within 5 days.
Look at the seller’s ID and make sure the name matches the title. Test drive with them in the car, never alone with your keys handed over.

Your phone and email stay hidden. Members talk through private messages unless you choose to share contact details.
Messages that contain common scam wording show a warning.
Listings that mention items the rules don’t allow are held for review before they go live. Listings reported by several people are hidden automatically.
In any conversation you can Block a member, so they can’t message you again, and rate them after you’ve both written.
On any listing, tap Report this listing and choose a reason. Every report is reviewed.

If you are in danger, call 911.
If you were scammed, report it to your local police and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, then report the listing here and block the member.
Questions: support@tomsminimall.com