Staying safe

How do I avoid scams on POLappka?

Most people advertising on POLappka are genuine, but a few simple rules keep you safe:

Renting a room or flat

• Never pay a deposit, holding fee or first month's rent before you have viewed the property (in person or on a live video call) and seen the tenancy agreement.
• In England, most letting fees are illegal, and a holding deposit is capped at one week's rent.
• Be careful if the landlord says they are abroad and will post the keys once you pay.
• Never pay by bank transfer to a personal account, cryptocurrency, gift cards or money-transfer services.
• A price far below the local market combined with pressure ("pay today, others are interested") is a warning sign.

Looking for a job

• A genuine UK employer never charges you to get a job: not for training, a uniform, equipment, registration or a DBS check.
• Do not send your bank details, passport or National Insurance number before an interview.
• Jobs that ask you to receive and forward money or parcels are money-muling. It is a crime, including for the person recruited.
• Be careful with "jobs" offered only over WhatsApp or Telegram with no company name or address.

Everywhere

• Only open links you trust. POLappka checks website and social links, but stay alert.
• If something feels wrong, tap Report on the ad. Three reports from established accounts hide an ad until we check it.

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