Safety Tips

Stay safe when buying and selling on campus. Read this before your first transaction.

Meet in Public, On-Campus Locations

  • Always meet in busy, well-lit areas like the Campus Center, library lobby, or Student Success Center.
  • Avoid meetups after dark or in isolated areas.
  • Inform a friend or roommate where you're going.

Safe Payment Practices

  • Use Venmo, Zelle, or cash — never wire transfers or gift cards.
  • Never send money before inspecting the item in person.
  • Check bills for counterfeits when accepting cash.
  • Don't share your banking credentials with anyone.

Inspect Before You Pay

  • Test electronics before handing over any money.
  • Check textbooks for missing pages, heavy highlighting, or damage.
  • If the item doesn't match the listing, walk away.

Recognize Red Flags

  • Price that seems too good to be true — it probably is.
  • Seller refuses to meet in person or wants to ship instead.
  • Pressure to pay quickly or through unusual methods.
  • Vague item descriptions with no photos.
  • Requests for your personal information beyond what's needed.

Protect Your Account

  • Never share your password or login link with anyone.
  • Log out of shared or public computers.
  • Report suspicious messages or profiles immediately.
  • All communication should happen through the platform's messaging system.

Emergency? Call Campus Security

Farmingdale State College Security: (934) 420-2111