Marketplace Safety

Effective September 17, 2026

Almost every sale on Brunswick Local Market is a simple handoff between neighbors. The few that go wrong usually follow the same patterns, so a little care up front prevents nearly all of them.

Meet safely

• Meet during daylight in a busy public location. See our list of safe pickup spots at staffed police and sheriff's offices.
• Tell someone where you are going and bring another adult when possible.
• Do not share your exact home address publicly. Arrange private-property pickup only when necessary for large items, and share the address privately once a time is agreed.
• Selling from home? Put the item in the driveway or garage so buyers don't need to come inside, and keep valuables out of sight.

Pay safely

• Inspect the item before paying. Plug it in, start it, open it, or test it.
• Cash in person is the simplest. Count it at the handoff. For large amounts, meet at the buyer's bank so the cash comes straight from the teller.
• Do not send deposits, gift cards, cryptocurrency, verification codes, or advance shipping payments.
• Be cautious of overpayment, courier, and “someone else will pick it up” stories. A real local buyer can come look.

Common scams to recognize

• The code request: “I need to verify you're real, read me the code I just sent.” That code unlocks your account. Never share it.
• The out-of-town buyer: someone who can't meet but wants to pay extra and send a shipper. We are a pickup-only market.
• The too-good price: a boat, golf cart, or camper far below market with a seller who only wants a deposit to “hold” it.
• The rental deposit: anyone who wants a deposit on a house or beach rental you can't walk through first. Walk away.

Vehicles, boats, trailers, and golf carts

• Match the VIN or hull number on the item to the title and the seller's ID before money changes hands.
• In North Carolina the seller's signature on a vehicle title must be notarized. Plan the sale around a notary (many banks and UPS stores have one).
• Ask for maintenance records, and have a mechanic look at anything expensive.

Protect your information

• Keep conversations in your Brunswick Local Market Messages. Your email address stays private there.
• Never send passwords, account codes, Social Security numbers, or banking credentials.

What “reviewed listings” means

We look over new posts for obvious scams and items that break the community rules before they go live. We do not inspect items, meet sellers, or guarantee a purchase, so use the tips on this page every time you buy.

Report concerns

Use the report button on a listing or email sales@brunswicklocalmarket.com. We review reports and remove listings or accounts that break our community rules. For immediate danger, contact local law enforcement or call 911.