🛡 Stay Safe
Safety Tips
Simple steps to buy and sell safely on VK Radio Trader.
🛡
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.
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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
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Requests unusual payment — gift cards, crypto, Western Union
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Seller claims to be overseas and wants to ship internationally
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Buyer offers to overpay and asks you to forward the difference
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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
Questions about safety?
Our support team is made up of licensed hams. We're here to help.
Contact Support →