Buying, selling and renting safely
Every listing is checked before it goes live. These rules protect you even more.
Basic rules
- Keep the conversation on babay.ch, where you can block people and report listings.
- Meet in a busy public place and inspect the item before you pay.
- Pay cash or with TWINT on collection, never in advance to strangers.
- Never send copies of your ID, bank or credit card details.
- Payment screenshots or confirmation emails prove nothing: check that the money has arrived in your account.
Vehicles
- Ask for the vehicle registration and the latest MFK report, and take a test drive.
- Never pay a deposit for a vehicle you have not seen.
- Be careful with sellers abroad who offer delivery by a shipping agent.
Property
- Never transfer a deposit or rent before you have viewed the property and signed the lease.
- The rent deposit belongs in a rent deposit account in your name.
- Landlords “abroad” who cannot show the property are a typical scam pattern.
Marketplace
- Prefer collection; if you ship, send the item only once the money is in your account.
- Be wary of buyers who agree without questions and want to arrange a courier.
- Don't click links to supposed payment or shipping pages.
Services
- Agree on price, scope and date in writing.
- Don't make large advance payments.
- For trade work, ask for references and insurance.
Jobs
- Real employers never ask for money, for example for training, equipment or application fees.
- Share bank and ID details only after signing a contract.
- Be careful with work-from-home offers that promise high pay for little effort.
Something wrong?
Report suspicious listings directly from the listing; we review every report. If you have been scammed, report it to the police.