Gumtree
Welcome to the Gumtree Safety HubPractical advice, tools and resources to help you buy, sell and use Gumtree safely. At Gumtree Australia, we know that trust is at the heart of every successful transaction. Whether you’re buying, selling, or running a business on our platform, you should feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way. That’s why we’ve created the Gumtree Safety Hub: a dedicated space that brings together practical advice, tools, and resources to help you use the platform safely and responsibly. |
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Buying safelySpot genuine listings and ask the right questions. Read tips → |
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Selling safelyCreate clear listings and build trust with buyers. Read tips → |
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Product safety at a glanceCheck recalls, bans, standards and unsafe product reporting. View checklist → |
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Scams & alertsUnderstand common scams and safety updates. View alerts → |
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Policies & supportFind policies, help pathways and support options. View links → |
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Product safety & ACCCCheck recalls, standards, bans and safety guidance. View resources → |
Why we’ve created the Safety Hub
Gumtree connects people across Australia, creating great opportunities but also making it important for users to have clear, reliable information to navigate potential risks. The Safety Hub is designed to give you that clarity.
It provides guidance to help you recognise and avoid common scams, understand safe buying and selling practices, understand product safety risks, and use the platform in a responsible and informed way.
Our goal is simple: to empower you with the knowledge you need to make confident decisions.
What you’ll find here
The Safety Hub brings together a wide range of resources tailored to different users. Whether you’re a buyer looking to spot genuine listings, a seller wanting to build trust with potential buyers, or a business using Gumtree to reach customers, you’ll find relevant guidance here.
It also includes clear explanations of our policies and expectations, product safety information, along with updates on emerging risks and trends so you can stay informed.
The Safety Hub includes information on product recalls, mandatory safety standards, product bans and unsafe product reporting, helping you stay up to date with important safety alerts and avoid items that may pose a risk.
We’ll continue to expand and update this content to ensure it remains practical, relevant, and easy to use.
Product safety at a glance
Before buying or selling, it’s worth checking whether a product has been recalled, banned, subject to a mandatory safety standard, or reported as unsafe.
Take extra care with higher-risk categories, such as baby products, toys, electronics, appliances, vehicles, products with batteries, helmets, pools, and other safety-sensitive items. These are examples only and are not an exhaustive list.
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Check recallsSearch whether an item has been recalled before buying or selling. Search recalls → |
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Check standardsSome products must meet mandatory safety standards before they can be sold. View standards → |
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Check bansSome products are banned from sale because of safety risks. View bans → |
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Report unsafe productsIf something appears unsafe or non-compliant, report it to Product Safety Australia. Report unsafe product → |
🛍️ Buying safely
Buying through Gumtree can be a great way to find quality items at good prices, but it’s important to stay alert and make informed decisions. Before purchasing, carefully review the listing description and photos, ask questions about the item’s condition and history, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. Buyers should also be aware of potential product recalls and safety warnings, particularly for higher-risk items such as baby products, toys, electronics, appliances, vehicles, products with batteries, helmets, pools, and other safety-sensitive items.
Product safety reminder: Before buying, check whether the item has been recalled, banned, subject to a mandatory safety standard, or linked to a safety warning. Search product recalls →
Before you buy: product safety checklist
✓ Check recall status
Search Product Safety Australia to see whether the item has been recalled.
✓ Ask for the model or serial number
These details can help you check recalls, safety warnings and product information.
✓ Ask about age and condition
Find out how old the item is, how it has been used, and whether it has any known issues.
✓ Check for missing parts
Ask whether any parts, accessories, manuals, chargers, safety guards or fittings are missing.
✓ Check safety labels and instructions
Look for labels, warnings, age recommendations, compliance marks or instructions where relevant.
✓ Look for damage or modifications
Inspect for cracks, frayed cords, battery damage, missing guards, loose parts or modifications that could affect safety.
| ✓ Know your budget Research what’s out there and the average price of similar items. | ✓ Ask questions Ask about condition, history, faults, safety issues, receipts and warranties. |
| ✓ Meet the seller safely Meet locally in a busy public place where possible and take a friend or family member with you. | ✓ Negotiate fairly Do your research and negotiate on a price you think is fair. |
| ✓ Show up on time If you’ve set a time to meet a seller, stick to the plan. If you can’t make it, these things happen. Just let the person know as soon as you can so they're not left waiting. | |
Helpful links
Buyer and Seller safety Types of Scams on Gumtree Gumtree Protect Can’t See Seller Email Gumtree Returns Policy Product recalls Buy safe second-hand products online What to do when a product is recalled
🏷️ Selling safely
When posting your ad on Gumtree, providing clear and accurate product information helps build trust with buyers and contributes to a safer experience for everyone. It can also help you sell your item faster! We encourage sellers to include as much relevant product safety information as possible, including details about the item’s condition, age, known faults, safety warnings and modifications.
Product safety reminder: Before selling, check whether the item has been recalled, banned or subject to a mandatory safety standard. Include clear information about condition, faults, missing parts, warnings and safe use. Search product recalls →
Before you sell: product safety checklist
✓ Check recall status
Search Product Safety Australia before listing the item.
✓ Don’t list banned products
Check whether the item is banned from sale or subject to restrictions.
✓ Disclose faults and missing parts
Be upfront about damage, missing components, battery issues, modifications or anything that could affect safe use.
✓ Include safety warnings
Share any warnings, instructions, age limits, safe-use information or limitations that buyers should know.
✓ Include age, model and serial details
Where relevant, include product age, model number, serial number or other identifying details that help buyers check safety information.
✓ Don’t sell items you know are unsafe
If an item is unsafe, badly damaged, recalled, banned or unsuitable for use, do not list it for sale.
| ✓ Be descriptive Describe features, condition, history, reasons for selling, warnings and limitations on use. | ✓ Make your ad visual Include as many useful images as possible so buyers can visualise the item. |
| ✓ Be honest Be upfront about defects, damage, safety issues and anything that may affect use or lifespan. | ✓ Meet the buyer safely Arrange to meet locally in a busy public place where possible and consider bringing a friend. |
| ✓ Be responsive If you’ll be unreachable, pause your listing so buyers aren’t left waiting. | ✓ Show up on time If you can’t make an agreed meeting time, let the buyer know as soon as possible. |
Helpful links
Types of Scams on Gumtree Phishing, Suspicious Emails, and Latest Scam Trends Product recalls Mandatory safety standards Banned products When you must report an incident
⚠️ Scams, safety & alerts
Stay informed about emerging risks without feeling alarmed. These resources explain common scam tactics, official announcements, unsafe product reporting and how to report suspicious activity.
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Latest scam trendsLearn about phishing, fake payment links, requests to move off-platform and other common tactics. Read more → |
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Government announcementsFind important safety updates and official announcements relevant to Gumtree users. View announcements → |
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Report suspicious activityReport suspicious ads, replies or behaviour so Gumtree can review and take action where appropriate. Report or learn how → |
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Report unsafe productIf a product appears unsafe, non-compliant or subject to a safety concern, report it. Report unsafe product → |
📄 Policies & support
Quick access to Gumtree policies and support pathways.
Product safety & ACCC resources
Product safety resources to help users check recalls, understand safety standards, identify banned products, report unsafe products and make more informed decisions when buying or selling.
Search recalls Report unsafe product
Resources for everyone |
For consumersShop online for products that are safe ↗ Buy safe second-hand products online ↗ |
For sellersHow to sell safe products online ↗ |
Working together to keep Gumtree safe
Safety on Gumtree is a shared responsibility. Alongside our own systems, policies, and moderation processes, we work closely with law enforcement and government agencies to support investigations and address misuse of the platform.
The Safety Hub is an extension of that commitment, helping users play their part by staying informed, reporting suspicious behaviour, recognising unsafe product risks and making safer choices.
Our commitment
We’re committed to making Gumtree a safer and reliable place to connect. The Safety Hub reflects our ongoing effort to improve transparency, strengthen trust, support our community, and make important safety information easier to find.
We encourage you to explore the resources, stay informed, and use Gumtree with confidence. If you have any questions, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Help keep Gumtree safe
Safety is a shared responsibility. Learn how to spot risks, report suspicious behaviour, check product safety information and make confident decisions.
Report an issue Browse safety articles Check product recalls
