Meeting Safely for an Exchange
The handover is the one moment buyer and seller are face to face with cash and goods. A few simple habits make it safe and uneventful — which is exactly what you want.
Meet in public, in daylight
Choose a busy, well-lit public place — many police stations now offer designated "safe exchange" spots with cameras. Avoid your home address and isolated locations. Daytime, foot traffic, and cameras deter almost all bad actors.
Bring someone, tell someone
Bring a friend if you can, and tell someone where you're going, who you're meeting, and when you expect to be back. Keep your phone charged. For high-value items, a second person is worth the small hassle.
Exchange at the same time
Item and payment change hands together. Inspect/test the item before money moves; confirm cash is real or that an app payment has fully landed before the item leaves your hands. Don't let either side "go first" — simultaneous is safe.