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Buy and sell safely

Most people on Phsar are honest. These habits protect you from the few who are not.

How to spot a scam

  • The price is far below what the item is worth, and the seller is in a hurry.
  • They ask for a deposit, a "booking fee", a delivery fee or customs money before you have seen the item.
  • They send a link to "receive your payment" or to log in, or a QR code you are asked to scan to get money.
  • They ask for a code sent to your phone (OTP), a PIN or a password. Nobody honest needs these.
  • They want to move the chat to another app straight away and refuse to meet.
  • Example: "I am abroad, the phone is with my cousin. Transfer $50 by ABA first and he will deliver it." This is a scam.
  • Example: "I want to buy your motorbike. Click this link to receive the money." This is a scam.

Meeting safely

  • Meet in a busy public place in daylight: a café, a mall, or near a police post.
  • Bring a friend for expensive items, and tell someone where you are going.
  • Check the item fully before any money changes hands.
  • Pay in person, in cash or by transfer, only once you are happy with the item.

Motorbikes and cars

  • Ask to see the registration card (កាតគ្រី) and check that the name matches the seller or a signed sale letter.
  • Check that the frame (chassis) and engine numbers on the bike match the card.
  • Check the plate matches the card, and be careful with bikes that have no plate or papers.
  • Take a short test ride with the seller present, and go to a mechanic you trust if you can.

Phones and tablets

  • Dial *#06# to show the IMEI and check it matches the box and the settings screen.
  • On an iPhone, make sure Find My is off and the Apple ID is signed out. On Android, check the Google account is removed.
  • Test the screen, cameras, charging, Wi-Fi and a phone call before you pay.
  • Ask for the receipt or the box for new or nearly new phones.

Rooms, houses and land

  • Never pay a deposit or a "viewing fee" before you have visited the place.
  • Ask for the owner's title (hard or soft title) or the agent's written authorisation.
  • Sign a written contract, and get a receipt for every payment.

How to report

If something feels wrong, tell us. It takes a few seconds and helps protect others.

  • On a listing, tap Report and choose a reason. On a profile or in a chat, use the menu.
  • Add a short note or a screenshot if you can.
  • A moderator looks at every report. When three different people report a listing within a day, it is hidden until it has been checked.
  • We tell you when your report has been dealt with.

What Phsar will never ask you

  • We never ask for your login code, PIN or password, by chat, phone or Telegram.
  • We never ask you to pay a fee to receive money, to unlock an account or to "verify" a sale.
  • We never send payment links in chat. Messages from Phsar come from @Phsar_Telegram_Bot or inside the app.

If you have been scammed

  • Stop sending money and keep the chat, the phone number and the payment receipt.
  • Report the account on Phsar so we can stop it reaching others.
  • Contact your bank or wallet (ABA, ACLEDA, Wing…) straight away and ask them to hold the transfer.
  • Report it to the police. Phsar cooperates with verified law-enforcement requests.