🛡️ 198work.com Official Guide to Platform Safety & Scam Prevention

Hey there, welcome to 198work.com!

Our goal is to help you solve all kinds of life needs — from finding a new home or a great job, to buying or selling your favorite items.
But in the online world, there are always a few “bad actors” trying to take advantage.
This guide is your anti-scam shield — spend just 3 minutes reading, and you’ll avoid 99% of online traps.

🚨 Chapter 1: The Golden Rule of Risk Awareness

In any person-to-person deal or service, scams often happen between “the promise” and “the delivery.”
Remember this golden rule:

If you can’t verify the other person’s identity, product, or service authenticity, any request for “advance payment” or “private transfer” is a major red flag!

Keep these safety points in mind:

• Keep all communication records:
  Our platform connects you to others, but always save important chat logs, screenshots, and files when continuing conversations via phone, text, or other apps. These are your only proof if a dispute arises.
• No prepayment for jobs or services:
  Any offer that asks for money before a contract is signed or work is completed is 99% a scam.
• Never pay without meeting in person:
  For secondhand trades, if you can’t meet to inspect the item, don’t use Zelle, Venmo, or other irreversible transfers.

🚨 Chapter 2: Job Scam Prevention (A Must-Read for Job Seekers)

Key Principle:

A legitimate employer will never charge you any fees before hiring.

Watch out for these red flags:

• Requests for “pre-employment” fees
  Common excuses: deposits, training fees, uniform costs.
  🚩 Beware of “background check” fees sent to personal accounts or unverified companies.
  ✅ Legit employers either pay this cost themselves or direct you to official third-party sites.
• Early requests for sensitive personal data
  Never share your bank info, address, or ID numbers (like SSN or SIN) before officially accepting an offer.
  ✅ Only provide such info after signing official hiring documents.

🚨 Chapter 3: Secondhand Trading Safety (For Buyers & Sellers)

Key Principle: Meet in person — avoid “remote” payments.

👉 For Buyers:

• Be cautious of “too-good-to-be-true” prices.
• Always inspect items in person, preferably in public areas with cameras.
• Avoid irreversible payment apps like Zelle/Venmo/Cash App. Use PayPal (Goods & Services) or cash for strangers.

👉 For Sellers:

• Beware of “overpayment” scams.
  Scammers send fake checks for more than the item price and ask you to refund the extra.
  The check later bounces — you lose both the item and your refund.
  ❌ Never accept overpayments!

🚨 Chapter 4: Rental Scam Prevention (For House Hunters)

Key Principle: Never send large payments until you’ve seen the property and signed a valid lease.

🚩 Avoid listings where:

1. The “landlord” claims to be abroad and can’t show the house — almost always fake.
2. They ask for a large deposit before contract signing.

✅ Small “application fees” for background checks can be normal — but security deposits should only be paid after signing a legitimate lease agreement.

🚨 Chapter 5: What to Do If You Encounter a Scammer

1. Don’t panic or argue. Immediately stop all contact.
2. Report the user using our “Report” button on the listing or message.
3. Save all evidence: chat logs, screenshots, contacts.
4. If money was sent, contact local authorities right away.

A safe community depends on all of us.
Every report you make helps protect someone else.

Thanks for reading!
— 198work.com Security Team