Trust & Safety and Avoiding Scams
Last Updated: April 12, 2026
1. Our Commitment to Safety
Stonebox.com is committed to creating a safe, trustworthy marketplace. This guide helps you recognize and avoid common scams.
2. Common Scams and Red Flags
Payment Scams
🚩 Overpayment Scam
- Buyer sends more than asking price and asks for a refund
- Prevention: Never accept overpayment or refund the difference
🚩 Fake Payment Confirmation
- Scammer sends fake email claiming payment was made
- Prevention: Verify payment in your actual account, not just email
🚩 Wire Transfer Requests
- Buyer insists on wire transfer or money order
- Prevention: Use secure payment methods; avoid wire transfers to strangers
🚩 Check/Cashier's Check Fraud
- Fake checks that initially clear but bounce later
- Prevention: Wait for full clearance (up to 2 weeks) before shipping
Shipping Scams
🚩 Urgency and Pressure
- Buyer creates urgency to ship immediately
- Prevention: Follow normal processes; don't rush
🚩 Address Changes
- Buyer asks to ship to a different address after purchase
- Prevention: Only ship to verified addresses
🚩 Shipping Cost Scams
- Buyer offers to arrange shipping or overpay for shipping
- Prevention: Use your own shipping method and track packages
Listing Scams
🚩 Too Good to Be True Prices
- Items priced far below market value
- Prevention: Research typical prices; if it seems too good to be true, it is
🚩 Stock Photos or Stolen Images
- Seller uses professional photos or images from other sites
- Prevention: Reverse image search photos; ask for specific photos
🚩 Limited Contact Information
- Seller provides no phone number or avoids video calls
- Prevention: Verify seller identity; meet in person for local items
🚩 Rental/Real Estate Scams
- Landlord claims to be out of town and asks for deposit before viewing
- Prevention: Always view property in person; never wire deposits
Account Takeover
🚩 Phishing Emails
- Fake emails claiming to be from Stonebox.com asking for login
- Prevention: Always check the sender email; never click suspicious links
🚩 Password Requests
- Anyone asking for your password
- Prevention: Stonebox.com will NEVER ask for your password
Employment/Work-from-Home Scams
🚩 Fake Job Offers
- Job requires upfront payment or personal financial information
- Prevention: Legitimate employers don't charge fees
3. Safe Transaction Practices
For Buyers
✅ Do:
- Research the seller's reputation and reviews
- Ask detailed questions about the item
- Request additional photos or videos
- Use secure payment methods with buyer protection
- Meet in public places for local transactions
- Inspect items before paying
- Keep all communication on the platform
- Trust your instincts
❌ Don't:
- Send payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
- Share personal financial information
- Pay before receiving the item (except through protected methods)
- Go alone to meet strangers
- Feel pressured to decide immediately
For Sellers
✅ Do:
- Verify buyer identity for high-value items
- Use tracked and insured shipping
- Take clear photos and accurate descriptions
- Keep records of all transactions
- Report suspicious behavior
- Meet buyers in safe, public locations
❌ Don't:
- Accept overpayment or checks
- Ship before payment clears
- Provide personal financial information
- Accept unusual payment methods
- Ship to unverified addresses
4. Meeting Safely in Person
Safe Meeting Locations
- Police station parking lots (many have "safe exchange zones")
- Bank lobbies during business hours
- Busy public places with security cameras
- Shopping center parking lots (daytime)
Safety Tips
- Bring a friend or tell someone where you're going
- Meet during daylight hours
- Stay in public view
- Bring exact change to avoid showing large amounts of cash
- Trust your instincts—leave if something feels wrong
5. Recognizing Legitimate Stonebox.com Communication
We Will:
- Email from @stonebox.com addresses
- Never ask for your password
- Never ask you to wire money or buy gift cards
- Provide clear contact information
We Won't:
- Ask for payment outside the platform (for fees)
- Guarantee sales or income
- Request remote access to your computer
- Use urgent, threatening language
6. Reporting Scams and Suspicious Activity
How to Report
- Click the "Report" button on any listing or profile
- Select the reason (scam, fraud, violation, etc.)
- Provide details and evidence
- Email safety@stonebox.com for urgent matters
What We Do
- Investigate all reports promptly
- Remove fraudulent listings and users
- Cooperate with law enforcement
- Improve our detection systems
If You've Been Scammed
- Report to Stonebox.com immediately
- Contact your payment provider/bank
- File a police report
- Report to FTC (ftc.gov/complaint) or IC3 (ic3.gov)
7. Account Security
Protect Your Account
- Use a strong, unique password
- Enable two-factor authentication (if available)
- Don't share your login credentials
- Log out on shared devices
- Monitor your account for suspicious activity
- Update your email and phone number
Recognize Phishing
- Check sender email addresses carefully
- Hover over links to see real URLs
- Look for spelling/grammar errors
- Be skeptical of urgent requests
- Verify by logging in directly (not through email links)
8. Payment Safety
Recommended Payment Methods
- Credit cards (offer fraud protection)
- PayPal or similar services (with buyer protection)
- In-platform payment systems
- Cash for local transactions (meet safely)
Avoid
- Wire transfers (Western Union, MoneyGram)
- Gift cards or prepaid cards
- Cryptocurrency for unfamiliar sellers
- Personal checks from unknown buyers
9. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels wrong, it probably is. It's better to walk away from a deal than to become a victim.
10. Additional Resources
- Federal Trade Commission: consumer.ftc.gov
- Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
- Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker: bbb.org/scamtracker
11. Contact Our Safety Team
For safety concerns or questions:
- Email: safety@stonebox.com
- Emergency: Contact local law enforcement