At Sharqsouq, we are committed to providing a safe and secure Services for buying and selling. While we take every precaution to ensure a trustworthy experience, it is important for users to remain vigilant when engaging in transactions. Please review the following guidelines to help protect yourself from potential fraud:

1. Be Cautious with Payment Methods

• Avoid wire transfers: We strongly recommend against using wire transfers (e.g., Western Union, MoneyGram) for payments. These methods are often used by fraudsters, as they can be difficult to trace.
• Secure payment options: Use secure payment methods such as PayPal, credit cards, or trusted escrow services. Always confirm that the payment platform is legitimate and provides buyer protection.

2. Never Share Personal Information

• Be cautious about sharing sensitive personal information such as your Social Security Number, bank account details, or passwords. Only share necessary details with trusted parties and through secure channels.

3. Check Item Listings Carefully

• Review listings thoroughly before making a purchase. Look for signs of potential fraud, such as:
  • Unrealistically low prices
  • Vague or poorly written descriptions
  • Photos that seem generic or stock images
• If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and avoid the transaction.

4. Meet in Safe, Public Locations

• If meeting in person, choose a public, well-lit location such as a coffee shop, shopping center, or police station lobby. Never meet someone at their home or in a secluded area.
• Consider bringing a friend or family member along for extra safety.

5. Report Suspicious Activity

• If you suspect fraudulent activity, please report it immediately to our customer support team. We will investigate and take necessary action, including removing fraudulent listings and suspending accounts involved in scams.
• You can contact us at [customer support email/phone].

6. Verify Sellers and Buyers

• Check the reputation of the user if available. Some users may have ratings or reviews that can help gauge their trustworthiness.
• Consider asking for additional photos, videos, or details to confirm the legitimacy of an item or service.

7. Scams to Watch Out For

• Fake Escrow Services: Fraudsters may offer to use "escrow services" to complete a transaction, but they often create fake escrow websites to steal funds.
• Overpayment Scams: Be wary of buyers or sellers who overpay and ask for a refund. This is often a tactic to manipulate transactions.
• Phishing Emails: Do not click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown contacts. Fraudsters may attempt to steal your personal information via fake emails.

8. Your Role in Fraud Protection

• Stay informed about common scams and fraud tactics.
• Communicate through our secure messaging system rather than sharing personal contact details.
• Be cautious of any unsolicited offers or requests for payments that seem unusual or too good to be true.

By following these best practices, you can help protect yourself and others from fraud. Remember, if something feels suspicious, don’t hesitate to ask questions or walk away from a deal.

For further assistance, visit our Help Center or contact customer support at [customer support email/phone].