Safety Tips for Messaging and Sharing Personal Info on markto.ch
- Never share sensitive personal information early
Do not give full name, exact home address, bank details, ID number, passwords, or workplace info in the first messages. Share only what’s needed for the deal (e.g., first name, rough area like “Zürich Oerlikon”). - Use the platform message form first
Start with the “Nachricht senden” / “Send message” button (if available) — it forwards to email without revealing your phone or email upfront. This gives you a safe first contact layer. - Switch to WhatsApp quickly but carefully
Once the other person seems genuine (serious questions, local, consistent answers), suggest WhatsApp for photos and coordination.
Use a WhatsApp link (wa.me/yournumber) in your ad so buyers message without seeing your number first. - Prefer a secondary number for classifieds
Use a cheap prepaid SIM (Aldi, Lidl, Salt, Yallo ~CHF 10–20) or WhatsApp Business account with a separate number just for markto.ch.
This keeps your main personal number private — easy to block or discard if spam starts. - Verify the other person before sharing more
Ask normal questions: “Which part of [city] are you in?”, “When can you pick up?”, “Cash or TWINT?”
Genuine buyers answer clearly; scammers often give vague or pushy replies. - Keep all important agreements in writing
Screenshot price, pickup time, location, payment method, and condition details.
Example: “CHF 180 cash, pickup Saturday 14:00 Migros parking [city], item as described.” - Never send money or accept advance payments
No deposits, no “hold fee”, no shipping payments — insist on cash or TWINT after in-person inspection. - Avoid sharing photos of documents or sensitive items
Don’t send pictures of your ID, bank statements, receipts with personal info, or your home interior. - Block and report suspicious behavior immediately
- In WhatsApp: Block + Report.
- On markto.ch: Flag the ad (“Melden”) or use footer “Kontaktieren Sie uns” with screenshots.
- If threats or harassment: Save evidence and report to police (online via cantonal police site).
- Trust your instincts
Red flags: Pushy for personal info, story changes, wants to meet privately, insists on advance payment, grammar/spelling very off (common in scam scripts).
If it feels wrong → stop replying and move on. - After the deal
Archive or delete the chat once completed.
If you shared a number and get spam later → block and consider changing privacy settings.
Bottom line: Start minimal (platform message or WhatsApp link), share info gradually, meet only in public after vetting, and document everything. Most markto.ch users are honest locals — these habits keep the rare bad actors away.
Stay safe and message smart! 🔒