Safe meetups

Meeting a stranger to buy or sell something in person always carries some risk. These tips can help you lower that risk — they don't guarantee a safe transaction.

• Meet in a public, well-lit place — a busy café, a mall, or a designated safe-exchange spot if your local police offer one.
• Prefer daytime meetups. Avoid late-night or isolated locations, especially for a first meeting.
• Never send money, a deposit, or an e-transfer before you've met in person and inspected the item. Pay only once you're satisfied.
• Keep the conversation on Chợ Vỉa Hè until you've met. Be cautious if the other person quickly pushes to move to WhatsApp, text, or another app.
• Be extra careful if the other person suddenly changes the meeting spot, especially to somewhere more isolated.
• Consider telling a friend or family member where you're going and when you expect to be back. Bringing someone along is a good option too.

This guidance is meant to help you make better decisions — it does not guarantee your safety. Trust your judgment, and leave if something feels wrong.