13 Top Classifieds & Personals Companies

Before you post or answer a classified ad

Classified sites connect strangers with little in between, so most protection comes from how you deal. Rules for what can be posted differ by site and by country. Personals sections may be adults-only.

• Posting fees. Some sites are free, others charge to post, bump or feature an ad. Check whether paid ads renew automatically.
• Buyer and seller protection. Most classified sites do not guarantee payments. If a built-in payment option exists, read what it covers.
• Privacy. Use the site's messaging or a masked contact where available, rather than your personal number.
• Local law. Ads offering paid sexual services are illegal in many places, and responding to them can carry legal risk.

Scam patterns to recognize

Common scams include buyers who overpay with a check and ask for the difference back, sellers who want a deposit for an item or rental you cannot see, and fake delivery or escrow services. On personals sites, a common trick is a request to "verify" you are not a police officer or bot through a separate site that takes card details. Others ask for gift cards. Walk away from any of these.

Meet in a busy public place, bring someone with you, inspect items before paying, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Some police stations offer safe exchange spots.

CandorRated company pages show who runs each website, how long the domain has existed and what contact details were found. You can filter the list by country or city to find local sites.

Frequently asked questions

Why does a buyer want to pay more than my asking price?

This is a classic overpayment scam. The payment usually bounces after you send the difference.

Can the site help if I am scammed?

Report the ad and user to the site, and contact your bank and local police.