Safety Tips

1. Meet in Safe Public Places

Always arrange to meet in well-lit, public locations like your school campus, a library, or a popular cafe. Avoid meeting in isolated areas or inviting strangers to your home.

2. Bring a Friend

Whenever possible, bring a friend or classmate when meeting a buyer or seller for the first time. There is safety in numbers, and it deters anyone with bad intentions.

3. Inspect Items Before Paying

Always inspect the item thoroughly before handing over any money. Test electronics, check for damage, and make sure the product matches the description and photos from the listing.

4. Keep Transactions On-Platform

Always use CampSwap's built-in payment system (escrow) for transactions. Never send money through bank transfers, mobile money, or payment apps outside the platform. On-platform payments are protected by our escrow system.

5. Communicate On-Platform

Use CampSwap's messaging system for all communications. This keeps a record of conversations that can be reviewed if there is a dispute. Be wary of users who insist on moving to WhatsApp or other messaging apps.

6. Watch for Scams

• Too good to be true: If a deal seems too good, it probably is. Compare prices with similar listings.
• Advance payment: Never pay a "deposit" or "holding fee" outside the platform.
• Overpayment: Ignore anyone who sends more than the agreed amount and asks for a refund of the difference.
• Fake verification: Report any user asking for your password, bank PIN, or OTP.

7. Verify Student Status

Check if the user you are dealing with is verified. Verified students have submitted valid identification and been approved by our team. This adds an extra layer of trust to your transaction.

8. Report Suspicious Activity

If you encounter a suspicious listing or user, use the Report button on the product page or contact our support team immediately. Your reports help keep the community safe.

9. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off about a transaction or a person, trust your gut. You can walk away from any deal at any time. Your safety is more important than any purchase or sale.

10. Emergency Contacts

If you are in immediate danger, contact your campus security or local law enforcement. For platform-related issues, contact us on WhatsApp.

11. Why We Restrict Contact Sharing

Escrow protection and dispute support only work when transactions happen on CampSwap. That is why we ask you to keep conversations and payments on the Platform.

• Protection: On-platform payments are held in escrow and only released after you confirm delivery. Payments made outside the Platform are not protected.
• Records: On-platform chats give our team the evidence we need to resolve disputes fairly.
• Safety: Users who move conversations to WhatsApp or other apps can be scamming — our review team can't see or police chats that happen elsewhere.
• Consequences: Moving conversations or payments off the Platform may result in message restrictions or account action.
• Reporting: If someone pushes you off the Platform, report them using the Report button on the product page or message thread.