Questions answered

If the item and the money change hands at the same time, the deal can be made orally. A receipt is needed when payment or handover is postponed: under the Russian Civil Code, deals between individuals over 10,000 roubles that are not completed at once must be made in simple written form. Rules differ by country, so check yours.

It is not a good idea to send an item to a stranger without payment. The most reliable option is meeting in person and paying at the handover. If the buyer insists on another arrangement and rushes you, that is a reason to stop messaging.

Compare several similar ads: condition, age, what is included. A price noticeably lower than everyone else's is a reason to study the ad more closely, not to hurry to buy.

When you buy from a private person, it all depends on what the two sides agreed and whether the seller knew about the defect. That is why it matters so much to inspect the item on the spot and keep the ad and messages. In a dispute, it is better to consult a lawyer.

Being asked to pay for training, a uniform, a pass or "registration" before starting work is one of the main warning signs. An honest employer does not take money from job seekers for hiring them.

Be alarmed if you are asked to pick up or carry other people's parcels, envelopes or money without being told what is inside or who it is for, or if you are asked to hand over your bank card. It is best to turn such offers down at once.

Under the Russian Labour Code, an employment contract is concluded in writing. If you have actually been allowed to start work, the employer must put the contract in writing within three working days. In other countries the rules differ; check local law.

Describe the work you are looking for, your experience, skills and preferred schedule. Do not give passport details, your home address or information about your family: a name and a way to contact you are enough for a first contact.

No. A seller does not need to go anywhere or enter anything to receive money. Payment and delivery links sent by strangers in messages may lead to fake pages.

Hang up. The Bank of Russia reminds people that bank staff never ask for SMS codes, passwords or full card details, and such requests are a sign of fraud. Call your bank back yourself on the number on the back of your card.

In a busy place, during the day, and preferably not alone. If you go alone, tell someone close to you where you are going and who you are meeting. Do not give strangers your home address in messages.

If money was taken from your card, call your bank straight away on the number on the back of the card. Then contact the police: in Russia, 102 from a mobile or 112, the single emergency number; elsewhere numbers differ (112 works across the EU). Keep the messages, ad, links and phone numbers.