Safety Guidelines

Meeting strangers and transferring vehicles involves real-world risk. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself and others on Nearby Cars.

Before you meet

• Review the listing carefully — photos, price, mileage, and description should make sense for the vehicle.
• Chat in-app first. Be wary of sellers who refuse to answer basic questions or push you off-platform immediately.
• Check the seller's profile, ratings, and business verification status when available.
• Never send deposits or full payment before you have inspected the vehicle in person, unless you fully trust the arrangement.
• Compare the listing with similar cars in your area to spot unrealistic prices.

Meeting in person

• Meet in a public, well-lit place during daytime when possible.
• Bring a friend or family member, especially for high-value transactions.
• Inspect the vehicle thoroughly: exterior, interior, engine, tires, documents, and VIN where applicable.
• Take a test drive only with the seller present and after verifying ownership documents.
• Do not share one-time passwords, banking PINs, or remote access to your accounts.
• Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, walk away.

Payments and paperwork

• Prefer secure, traceable payment methods. Be cautious with cash-only deals from unknown parties.
• Complete registration and title transfer according to your local motor vehicle laws.
• Nearby Cars does not hold payments or provide escrow — any payment is directly between buyer and seller.
• Get a written receipt or sale agreement when possible.
• Verify that the seller is the registered owner before completing the purchase.

Recognizing scams

Watch for common red flags:

• Prices far below market value with urgent "must sell today" pressure.
• Sellers who cannot meet in person or refuse inspection.
• Requests to pay via gift cards, crypto, or wire transfer to an unknown third party.
• Listings that reuse photos from other sites or look too good to be true.
• Buyers offering to overpay and asking you to refund the difference.
• Requests to share OTP codes, login details, or banking passwords.

Using chat and WhatsApp

Keep initial negotiations on Nearby Cars chat when possible so there is a record. If you use WhatsApp, do not share sensitive personal or financial information. Block and report users who harass you or send suspicious links.

Reporting concerns

If you encounter a suspicious listing, fraudulent behaviour, or feel unsafe:

• Use the report feature on the listing in the app or website.
• Email info@nearbycar.in with the listing URL and details.
• Contact local law enforcement if you are in immediate danger or believe a crime has occurred.

Our team may remove listings, warn users, or ban accounts that violate our policies.

For sellers

• Post accurate photos and descriptions — misleading listings harm trust and may be removed.
• Do not share your home address publicly; agree on a safe meeting location.
• Verify buyer identity and payment before handing over keys and documents.
• Be cautious of buyers who rush the sale or refuse to inspect the vehicle.

For buyers

• Never pay in full before seeing and inspecting the vehicle.
• Ask for service records, insurance history, and registration documents.
• Use the map and location details to confirm the listing is in a reasonable area.
• Save favourite listings and compare options before deciding.

Need help?

Visit our Help Center or email info@nearbycar.in.