Safety Tips

🛡

VK Radio Trader is a notice board platform only.

We connect buyers and sellers but we are not a party to any transaction. All deals are made directly between the two parties. Please use common sense and follow these tips to protect yourself.

🛒 For Buyers

Tips to protect yourself when buying

✅

Check the seller's callsign badge

Look for the ✓ Callsign Verified badge. Verified sellers have had their Australian amateur radio qualification confirmed by our team.

📻

Request an on-air check

For transceivers and radio equipment, ask the seller to do an on-air radio check before you commit. A genuine seller will happily demonstrate the gear works.

📷

Ask for more photos

If you want to see specific angles, serial numbers or accessories — just ask. A genuine seller will provide them.

🤝

Meet in a public place

For local pickup, meet somewhere busy like a shopping centre car park or coffee shop. Never go to a stranger's home alone.

💰

Use traceable payment

PayID or bank transfer leaves a clear record. Avoid cash for high-value items where possible. Never use gift cards or cryptocurrency.

🔍

Research the market price

Check what similar gear is selling for. If the price seems too good to be true, be cautious.

📋

Get a receipt

For significant purchases, ask for a simple written receipt with the seller's callsign, item description, price and date.

🚩

Trust your instincts

If something feels wrong — the seller is evasive, rushes you, or the deal seems too good — walk away. There will always be another listing.

💰 For Sellers

Tips to protect yourself when selling

📝

Be honest about condition

Disclose any faults, damage or missing accessories upfront. Honest descriptions build trust and prevent disputes.

📷

Take good photos

Clear photos in good lighting from multiple angles get more enquiries. Include photos of any faults so there are no surprises.

💳

Wait for payment to clear

Before posting an item, confirm the payment has cleared in your bank account — not just that it was sent.

📦

Use tracked postage

Always use tracked shipping and keep your proof of postage until the buyer confirms receipt. Insurance is worth it for valuable items.

🚩

Watch for scam buyers

Be wary of buyers who offer to pay more than the asking price, want to use unusual payment methods, or pressure you to ship immediately.

📱

Keep records

Keep a record of all communications. If something goes wrong, you'll want evidence of what was agreed.

🔒

Protect your privacy

You don't need to share your home address. Arrange pickup at a public location or use a parcel locker for postage.

✉️

Use on-platform messaging

Keep early communications through VK Radio Trader messaging. It keeps a record and protects your personal contact details.

🚨 Common Scam Warning Signs

While the verified callsign system significantly reduces scam risk, be alert to these warning signs:

⚠ Price is significantly below market value

⚠ Seller or buyer wants to move to WhatsApp or email immediately

⚠ Requests unusual payment — gift cards, crypto, Western Union

⚠ Seller claims to be overseas and wants to ship internationally

⚠ Buyer offers to overpay and asks you to forward the difference

⚠ Pressure to decide immediately or "someone else is interested"

⚠ Generic responses that don't address your specific questions

⚠ Refuses to do an on-air radio check for a transceiver

⚠ No photos or only stock photos from the internet

⚠ Unverified account with no listing history

🚩 How to Report a Problem

If you encounter a suspicious listing, scam attempt or user misconduct, please report it so we can act quickly.

📋

Report a Listing

Use the "🚩 Report this listing" link on any listing page

✉️

Contact Support

abuse@vkradiotrader.com.au

🚔

Serious Fraud

Report to Scamwatch or your local police

Questions about safety?

Our support team is made up of licensed hams. We're here to help.

Contact Support →