How Gumtree Keeps You Safe | Scam Protection & Safety Tips

We’re focussed on safety.

At Gumtree, we’re serious about safety.

That’s why we developed Gumtree Protect: our commitment to safety, backed by a growing list of initiatives. Gumtree Protect was established to help keep scams out, your details safe, and you in control — 24/7.

Since 2024, we’ve reduced scam exposure by 85%, helping protect 3.2 million buyers and sellers every month — and we’re always working on ways to do even better.

The best defence is a shared one. As we continue to improve Gumtree Protect, staying vigilant and following our safety tips helps us to ensure you — and the whole Gumtree community — stay protected.

Keeping Gumtree Safe

Trust your instincts

If something feels off, walk away. Not sure? Our team are available 24/7 to take a look.

Report something now

Keep messages on Gumtree

Stay on the Gumtree site or app so your details stay private. Be wary of anyone asking to move to WhatsApp, SMS or scan a QR code.

Use Gumtree Pay®

Pay your way securely with built-in protections. No dodgy links, no guesswork.

Discover Gumtree Pay®

Check the item properly

Inspect and test items in person so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Take your time

Scammers rush you. Real buyers and sellers often don’t.

Report anything suspicious

See something off? Report it and we’ll investigate.

Contact our support team

Advanced fraud prevention

We’ve implemented the same kind of anti-scam technology that the big banks use. It quickly detects suspicious behaviour and helps stop scams before they happen. For example, we can flag:

Accounts posting large volumes of ads too quickly
Sudden changes to login or personal details
Activity that doesn’t match normal user behaviour

Ad moderation

We combine smart tech with smart humans who keep an eye on everything that gets listed.
Listings can be flagged or removed for things like:

Scams or misleading ads
Stolen or counterfeit goods
Suspicious account activity
Attempts to move users off platform
Animal welfare concerns
Reports from people, just like you

Contact Support

24/7 real human support

Our support team is available 24/7 to help with questions, issues, or anything that doesn’t feel right.

Contact Support

Extra security with 2FA

By adding your phone number to your account, we provide extra protection on important actions like logins, payments and account changes. It helps make sure it’s really you.

Set up 2FA

Safer messaging

Our AI-powered system scans messages to detect and block scams in real time. This includes:

Spam or repeated messages
Suspicious links
Unusual messaging behaviour

Secure payments with Gumtree Pay®

Gumtree Pay helps protect both buyers and sellers with built-in verification and secure transactions. Backed by Adyen, Gumtree Pay uses advanced fraud detection. 3D Secure is an added layer of authentication that allows us to verify your identity with your bank.
Features include:

Identity checks for users receiving funds
Extra protection during payment
The ability for our team to step in if something goes wrong

More about Gumtree Pay®

Keeping you safe on Gumtree

Bank-grade technology to help tackle the scammers

We use bank-grade technology to help protect you from scammers and keep your information secure. This advanced level of security is designed to detect suspicious activity, prevent fraud, and give you greater peace of mind when buying or selling. It’s just one of the ways we’re working to keep you safe.

Around the clock monitoring of ads

Continual monitoring of ads helps keep our platform safe and trustworthy. Our dedicated systems and teams work continuously to detect and remove suspicious content, flag potential scams, and ensure listings meet our standards. It’s all part of our ongoing commitment to protecting our community—day and night.

Real human support

Our dedicated support team is available 24/7, ready to help when you need it most. Real people, real answers: Whether you have a simple question or have an issue to report, we’re committed to making your experience smoother, safer, and personal every step of the way.

2-Factor Authentication on significant actions

Our 2-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security on important actions like sign ups, suspicious log-ins, set-up of Payments or changes to personal details. It ensures only you can access and control your account, protecting your data and transactions. It’s simple, secure, and gives you greater peace of mind every time you use Gumtree.

Moderating messages to reduce fraud

Gumtree’s machine learning-based message moderation helps keep you safe by detecting and removing fraudulent activity before it reaches you. This smart tech constantly learns from new threats, stopping scams in real-time. It’s fast, reliable protection—so you can buy, sell, and chat with confidence during every transaction.

Partners you can trust

We have partnered with global payments provider Adyen to power Gumtree Pay. Their sophisticated fraud detection system, Adyen Fraud Protect, works behind the scenes to identify and prevent suspicious activity. Additionally, we implement 3D Secure, a familiar step that adds an extra layer of verification during payment, ensuring safer transactions for everyone on Gumtree.

Tips to keep  you safe

Trust your instincts

If something feels off or too risky, trust your instincts and walk away. It’s better to miss out on a deal than to fall victim to a scam. Listen to your gut feelings and prioritise your safety.

Keep messages onsite

Use Gumtree’s messaging system rather than sharing private email addresses. This helps protect your privacy as well as providing a record of your interactions in case any issues arise.

Inspect item thoroughly

Always take the time to examine the item in person and test it if possible. This ensures that you are fully aware of the item’s condition and can avoid any surprises after making the purchase.

Avoid high-pressure tactics

Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to rush you into making a hasty decision. Take your time to conduct proper due diligence and never succumb to high-pressure tactics.

Report any suspicious activity

If you notice any suspicious activity or listings, please report them to our moderation team right away. To do this, visit our ‘Contact Us’ page and choose ‘Report’ from the topics drop-down.

Further Information

Gumtree has signed The ACCC's Product Safety Pledge

The Australian Product Safety Pledge is a voluntary initiative between the ACCC and online marketpl…

Business services

When selecting a business service on Gumtree, conduct independent research. Search the business name online for feedback or check with…

Tickets

When purchasing event tickets on Gumtree, verify any resale restrictions with the official event organizer. Confirm the ticket’s legit…

If you encounter any ads or messages that seem fraudulent or out of line with our policies, don't hesitate to report them by visiting our
contact us form and selecting 'Report' from the topics drop-down.

This not only helps protect you but also strengthens the safety of the community as a whole.

While Gumtree makes every reasonable effort to ensure current and accurate information is included on this site, Gumtree accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any material contained on this site and strongly recommends that users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. Information correct at 1 April 2026

Check out our comprehensive Help & Support page dedicated to your safety.

We’re focussed on safety.

At Gumtree, we’re serious about safety.

Keeping Gumtree Safe

Trust your instincts​

Keep messages on Gumtree

Use Gumtree Pay®

Check the item properly

Take your time

Report anything suspicious

Advanced fraud prevention

Ad moderation

24/7 real human support

Extra security with 2FA

Safer messaging

Secure payments with Gumtree Pay®

Keeping you safe on Gumtree

Bank-grade technology to help tackle the scammers

Around the clock monitoring of ads

Real human support

2-Factor Authentication on significant actions

Moderating messages to reduce fraud

Partners you can trust

Tips to keep you safe

Trust your instincts

Keep messages onsite

Inspect item thoroughly

Avoid high-pressure tactics

Report any suspicious activity

Further Information

Gumtree has signed The ACCC's Product Safety Pledge

Business services

Tickets

If you encounter any ads or messages that seem fraudulent or out of line with our policies, don't hesitate to report them by visiting ourcontact us form and selecting 'Report' from the topics drop-down.

Trust your instincts

Tips to keep  you safe

If you encounter any ads or messages that seem fraudulent or out of line with our policies, don't hesitate to report them by visiting our
contact us form and selecting 'Report' from the topics drop-down.