How to Pay Safely
Secure payment practices for buying and selling on Open Bazaar.
4 min read
Always pay in person
The safest way to pay on Open Bazaar is to meet the seller in a public place and exchange cash (or UPI) only after you have inspected the item in person.
- Meet in a busy, well-lit public location
- Inspect the item thoroughly before handing over any money
- Use UPI or cash — avoid bank transfers to strangers
Accepted payment methods
Open Bazaar is a classifieds platform — we do not process payments. Buyers and sellers agree on a method directly. Common options include:
- Cash (most common and safest for in-person deals)
- UPI (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm) — ideal for instant verification
- Bank transfer — only for trusted sellers you have met in person
Never pay in advance
Legitimate sellers will never ask you to pay before you have seen the item. Advance payment requests are the most common sign of a scam.
- Do not pay a deposit to "reserve" an item from a stranger
- Do not send money via Western Union, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
- Do not pay before receiving a tracking number for shipped goods
Receiving payment as a seller
If you are selling, prefer payment methods you can verify instantly.
- UPI and cash are safest — you can confirm receipt on the spot
- If accepting a cheque, wait for it to clear before handing over the item
- Be wary of overpayment scams — if someone pays you more than asked and wants change, decline