Safety & Security Guide
Emergency Situations
If you feel unsafe or threatened during any transaction, contact local authorities immediately:
- Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112 or 117
- Swiss Police: 117
Safe Meeting Places
Recommended Locations:
- Shopping centers and malls
- Police stations
- Busy cafes or restaurants
- Public parking lots with security cameras
- Bank lobbies during business hours
- Train stations and public transport hubs
Avoid These Places:
- Private homes (yours or theirs)
- Isolated or poorly lit areas
- Empty parking lots
- Industrial areas after hours
Personal Safety Tips
Before Meeting:
- Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back
- Verify the item details and ask questions
- Choose a safe, public meeting location
- Bring a friend if possible
During the Meeting:
- Meet during daylight hours
- Inspect the item carefully before paying
- Trust your instincts - leave if something feels wrong
- Keep your phone charged and accessible
- Don't flash large amounts of cash
Payment Safety
Safe Payment Methods in Switzerland:
- Cash on pickup (inspect items first)
- TWINT (Swiss mobile payment)
- Bank transfer (for trusted sellers)
- PayPal Goods & Services (buyer protection)
Payment Red Flags:
- Requests for payment before meeting
- Unusual payment methods (gift cards, Western Union)
- Pressure to pay immediately
- Requests for personal financial information
Recognizing Scams
Common Scam Warning Signs:
- Price significantly below market value
- Poor grammar or suspicious communication
- Stock photos or images from other websites
- Seller refuses to meet in person
- Requests for advance payment or deposits
- Too good to be true offers
Trust Indicators:
- Verified Professional Accounts ✅ (Coming Soon)
- Multiple genuine photos of the item
- Detailed, honest descriptions
- Responsive and clear communication
- Willing to meet in safe public places
Online Communication Safety
Safe Communication Practices:
- Use Troovo's messaging system initially
- Be cautious about sharing personal contact info
- Keep records of all communications
- Report suspicious or inappropriate messages
Personal Information:
- Never share your home address
- Don't give out financial account details
- Be cautious with phone numbers
- Use your public email, not work email
Account Security
Protect Your Account:
- Use a strong, unique password
- Never share your login credentials
- Log out from shared computers
- Report suspicious account activity immediately
Privacy Settings:
- Review your contact information visibility
- Control who can send you messages
- Keep your profile information up to date
Switzerland-Specific Safety
Popular Safe Meeting Locations:
- Zürich: Hauptbahnhof, Bahnhofstrasse shopping area
- Geneva: Gare Cornavin, Centre Balexert mall
- Basel: Basel SBB station, Stücki shopping center
- Bern: Westside shopping center, Bahnhof Bern
- Lausanne: Gare de Lausanne, Place St-François
Swiss Consumer Rights:
- Right to inspect items before paying
- Protection against fraud and misrepresentation
- Right to return items if significantly different than described
- Professional sellers must honor consumer protection laws
Report Problems
Report on Troovo:
- Report suspicious listings
- Report problematic users
- Contact customer support
Safety Emergencies:
- Immediate danger: Call 112 or 117
- Cybercrime: Contact [email protected]
- Consumer fraud: Contact cantonal consumer protection
If you feel unsafe or threatened during any transaction, contact local authorities immediately!
Prevention Tips:
- Always trust your instincts
- Meet in busy, well-lit public places
- Verify items thoroughly before payment
- Keep communications on the platform initially
- Report anything suspicious immediately