Safe Meeting Guidelines

Meeting buyers or sellers in person is often necessary when completing transactions on Aswaq Online. While most meetings are safe and legitimate, following these guidelines will help ensure your personal safety and protect you from potential scams or dangerous situations.

Before Agreeing to Meet

Verify the Other Party

Before arranging an in-person meeting:

• Review the user's profile: Check their verification status, join date, and ratings
• Ask questions about the item: Legitimate buyers ask relevant questions about the product
• Watch for red flags: Be cautious if they refuse to discuss details or pressure you to meet quickly
• Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong about the communication, it probably is

Communicate Clearly

Establish clear expectations before meeting:

• Confirm item details: Ensure the buyer understands the item's condition and specifications
• Agree on price: Negotiate and finalize the price before meeting to avoid disagreements
• Discuss payment method: Clarify accepted payment methods (cash is recommended for most transactions)
• Set exact meeting details: Confirm time, date, and location in writing through the platform's messaging system

Research Meeting Location

Choose your meeting place carefully:

• Use the Aswaq Safe Zones: Check our app for designated safe trading locations near you
• Identify public places: Research coffee shops, mall food courts, or bank lobbies in convenient areas
• Consider surveillance: Locations with security cameras add an extra layer of safety
• Plan your route: Know how to get there and back safely

Choosing a Safe Meeting Location

Recommended Meeting Places

The following locations are generally safe for conducting transactions:

• Police station parking lots: Many UAE police stations have designated "Safe Transaction Zones"
• Shopping mall common areas: Food courts and main concourses offer safety in numbers
• Bank lobbies: Ideal when the transaction involves large amounts of cash
• Coffee shops: Choose busy establishments during daylight hours
• Public buildings: Libraries, community centers, or government offices during business hours
• Grocery store parking lots: Select well-lit, busy areas near the entrance

Places to Avoid

Never agree to meet at these high-risk locations:

• Private residences: Unless absolutely necessary (for furniture or large items)
• Secluded areas: Avoid empty parking lots or industrial areas
• Side streets or alleys: These offer little visibility or public presence
• Late-night locations: Avoid meeting after business hours
• Areas with poor mobile reception: Ensure you can call for help if needed

Special Considerations for Large Items

For items that can't easily be transported to public places:

• Bring a friend: Never go alone to someone's home or invite them to yours alone
• Doorstep delivery: Stay in the doorway when showing/inspecting items
• Verify numbers: Have the person confirm their phone number before the meeting
• Notify others: Tell a friend or family member about your meeting details
• Consider professional delivery: For very valuable items, professional delivery services may be worth the cost

During the Meeting

Safety Protocols

Follow these protocols when meeting in person:

• Arrive early: Get familiar with the location and observe the surroundings
• Bring a companion: If possible, bring a friend or family member
• Stay in public view: Conduct the transaction where others can see you
• Keep valuables secure: Have cash or payment methods organized but not visible
• Stay alert: Minimize distractions like phone calls during the transaction
• Trust your feelings: If you feel uncomfortable at any point, politely end the meeting

Inspecting Items

For buyers examining merchandise:

• Verify the item matches the listing: Check all details against the online description
• Test functionality: If appropriate, test electronics or mechanical items
• Inspect for damage: Look for any flaws not mentioned in the listing
• Verify authenticity: Check for appropriate markings, packaging, or documentation
• Ask questions: Clarify any concerns before completing the transaction

Payment Safety

Protect yourself when exchanging payment:

• Use cash for most transactions: The safest method for in-person exchanges
• Count money in view: Count cash in front of the other party, but not in open public view
• Avoid checks: Personal checks can bounce; bank checks/drafts are safer
• Beware of counterfeit currency: For large amounts, consider meeting at a bank
• Digital payments: If using services like Apple Pay or bank transfers, confirm receipt before handing over items
• Get receipts: Write a simple receipt for both parties for items over AED 500

After the Meeting

Departing Safely

After completing the transaction:

• Leave separately: Don't walk with the other party to parking areas
• Vary your route: Don't take the most direct path to your vehicle
• Stay alert: Don't count money or examine purchased items in the parking lot
• Check surroundings: Ensure you're not being followed as you leave
• Wait to store items: Put valuable purchases in your trunk before arriving at the meeting, not after

Follow-up Actions

Complete these steps after a successful transaction:

• Mark as sold: Update the listing status on Aswaq Online
• Leave feedback: Rate the other party honestly to help the community
• Report problems: Contact customer support immediately if there were issues
• Save records: Keep the conversation history and receipt until you're sure the transaction is complete

Special Circumstances

High-Value Transactions

For items worth AED 5,000+:

• Consider escrow services: For very expensive items, escrow protection may be worth the fee
• Bank transfers: Consider meeting at the buyer's bank for secure transfers
• Extra verification: Request additional ID verification for expensive items
• Official receipts: Create detailed receipts with both parties' information
• Consider witnesses: A third-party witness adds another layer of security

Vehicle Sales

When selling vehicles:

• Meet at RTA centers: Official locations ensure proper transfer procedures
• Verify documentation: Check all paperwork carefully before the meeting
• Bring proper ID: Both parties need Emirates ID and appropriate documents
• Understand transfer process: Review RTA requirements beforehand
• Consider payment timing: Coordinate payment with official ownership transfer

Property Viewings

For real estate listings:

• Initial meetings in offices: First meetings should occur in real estate offices or public places
• Scheduled viewings: Only show properties during daylight hours
• Bring colleagues: Always have another person present during viewings
• Verify identity: Collect ID information before private viewings
• Qualify buyers: Ensure serious interest before arranging viewings

If Something Goes Wrong

Warning Signs

Be ready to leave immediately if you notice:

• Multiple people unexpectedly accompanying the buyer/seller
• The meeting location has been changed last minute to somewhere less public
• The person appears significantly different from their profile or seems intoxicated
• You're asked to follow someone to a different location
• The buyer wants to significantly renegotiate the agreed price

Emergency Response

If you feel threatened or unsafe:

1. End the meeting: Politely excuse yourself and leave immediately
2. Seek assistance: Move toward security personnel or other people
3. Call for help: Dial 999 for police in emergency situations
4. Get to safety: Move to a public, well-lit area with other people
5. Report the incident: File a report with both police and Aswaq Online

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe to meet at my home or the other party's home?
A: It's generally not recommended. If necessary for large items, bring a companion and only conduct the transaction at the entrance/doorway.

Q: How can I verify that cash isn't counterfeit?
A: Familiarize yourself with security features of UAE currency, use counterfeit detection pens for large amounts, or meet at a bank.

Q: What if the buyer wants to test an electronic item more thoroughly than possible in public?
A: Consider meeting at places with power outlets like coffee shops, or arrange for testing at an electronics store with the store's permission.

Q: Should I provide my phone number or other contact information?
A: Use the Aswaq messaging system until you're confident about the transaction. If you must share a phone number, consider using a secondary line or temporary number.

Q: What's the safest payment method?
A: Cash is generally safest for in-person transactions. For larger amounts, bank transfers conducted at the bank provide additional security.

Q: What if the item is too large to bring to a public place?
A: For furniture and large items, always bring a friend, meet during daylight hours, and consider hiring a delivery service for the actual transport.

Need More Help?

If you're unsure about meeting arrangements or have safety concerns, please contact our support team or visit our Help Center for more assistance.