What is safe trading on Monti?
Safe trading is the set of simple habits that make a deal go smoothly — meet in a public place, check the item before you pay, use traceable payment, and be careful with advance payment.
The vast majority of deals go perfectly well: people meet, look at the item, come to an agreement and make a good deal. Monti is a meeting place — we connect buyer and seller, but we don't handle money and are not a party to the transaction. That gives you full control, and a little extra responsibility for making the smart choices along the way.
The golden rules
Do this:
- Meet in a public place in daylight — ideally with a friend.
- Check the item before you pay. Does it match the listing?
- Use traceable payment (a bank transfer) — it gives you a receipt and a trail.
- Ask for a receipt on larger purchases, and keep the message thread.
- Trust your gut. If something feels wrong, walk away.
Don't do this:
- Never pay in advance to someone you don't know, and never for an item you haven't seen.
- Never share your online-banking credentials, passwords or one-time codes — with anyone, ever.
- Don't fall for offers that are too good to be true.
- Don't let yourself be rushed by pressure to "decide right now".
- Don't quickly move the conversation to email, SMS or unfamiliar links.
Cars and homes — a little extra care
For cars: check the registration certificate and service history, write a purchase contract, and complete the change of ownership with Transport Malta. For homes: go to the viewing, review the available documentation, and use a notary — and, where appropriate, a lawyer — for the contract and settlement. You'll find the full guide at Safe trading.
Items sent by post
Some sellers mark their listing "📦 Can be shipped" — they are willing to send the item if the buyer covers the shipping. You then agree this directly in your messages: shipping method, cost and payment method. Monti handles neither the shipping nor the payment. Use traceable payment and ask for a tracking number, so you can follow the parcel.
Report anything suspicious
Use the Report listing link at the bottom of the listing. We look at every report and remove listings that break the rules. More in How to avoid scams.
Related: How to stay safe as a buyer · Safe trading (full guide).