How ads work
Two kinds of ad. Throwaway email addresses cannot post.
Free
- Live as soon as you confirm your email
- Renew yourself from your email link
- One free ad at a time per email; company emails share one per company
Featured
- Live as soon as you confirm
- Shown above free ads
- Renews automatically until you cancel
Not allowed
Anything illegal in the UK, plus these.
Ads that break these rules are removed, and the email, company domain and connection behind them are blocked.
How we check ads
Automatic checks first, then a person.
- Every ad is scanned for scam signs: bank transfer or crypto payment, “courier will collect”, prices far below normal, and more.
- Every first ad from a new person, and anything doubtful, is checked by a member of our team.
- Property, jobs and pets are always checked by a person.
- If three different people report an ad, it comes down until we review it.
- Every message sent through Redirectory is kept, so we can act on scam reports.
Stay safe
Pick what you are buying, selling or renting.
- See the item working before you pay.
- Meet somewhere public and bring someone with you.
- Pay in cash or by card in person, never by bank transfer to a stranger.
- Never share codes sent to your phone.
- Run an HPI or MOT history check on the registration.
- Check the V5C logbook matches the seller and the address.
- Never pay a deposit to “hold” a car you have not seen.
- Pay in cash or by card in person. Never by bank transfer, gift card or crypto to a stranger.
- Never share codes sent to your phone.
- Never pay a deposit or rent before viewing in person.
- Check the landlord or agent is a member of a redress scheme.
- Get a written tenancy agreement and a deposit protection certificate.
- Pay in cash or by card in person. Never by bank transfer, gift card or crypto to a stranger.
- Never share codes sent to your phone.
- Never pay to apply, train or be “registered”.
- Research the employer before sharing ID or bank details.
- Be wary of pay that sounds too good for the hours.
- Pay in cash or by card in person. Never by bank transfer, gift card or crypto to a stranger.
- Never share codes sent to your phone.
- Ask for a written quote before work starts.
- Check reviews and, for trades, any accreditation they claim.
- Never pay the full amount upfront.
- Pay in cash or by card in person. Never by bank transfer, gift card or crypto to a stranger.
- Never share codes sent to your phone.
- Meet new people in public places first.
- Keep personal details private until you trust someone.
- Report anything that feels wrong; we read every report.
- Pay in cash or by card in person. Never by bank transfer, gift card or crypto to a stranger.
- Never share codes sent to your phone.
Spot a scam
The four tricks we see most. If it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
An email “from PayPal” or a bank says you have been paid. Check your own account, never a link in an email.
The buyer is abroad and sends a courier. Real buyers come and see the item; couriers are a classic way to steal it.
They send too much and ask for the difference back. The first payment bounces, your refund does not.
They want to leave Redirectory straight away. Keep talking here, so we can see and stop it.
Report a problem
We read every report.
Lost money?
Report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s fraud reporting centre, and tell your bank straight away.
Call 0300 123 2040 · actionfraud.police.ukQuestions
Is posting an ad free?
Yes. Free ads run for 7 days. Featured ads cost £3 for 30 days and show above free ads.
How long do ads last?
Free ads run for 7 days and can be renewed from your email link. Featured ads run for 30 days and renew automatically until you cancel.
Why was my ad checked before it went live?
A person looks at the first ad from a new email and at any ad our scam filter flags, usually within a day. Other ads go live as soon as you confirm.
Can I put a link, my email or my phone number in the ad?
No. Ads cannot contain phone numbers, web or email addresses, including ones written out in words. Buyers message you through Redirectory, and you reply from your own email when you choose to.
Why was my ad removed?
It broke a rule above, or three different people reported it. Ads that break the rules are removed and the email or company behind them is blocked.
Do buyers see my email address?
No. Buyers message you through Redirectory and you reply from your own email when you choose to.