Your Safety is Our Priority
PitchFree is built around protecting your privacy and keeping every transaction safe. Here's how the platform protects you — and what you can do to stay safe.
Platform Protections
Postcode Area Privacy
Listings only ever show the postcode area (e.g. “NG7 area”) — never the full postcode or street address. This means buyers can find items near them without sellers exposing their home address publicly.
The full postcode is only revealed after both parties confirm a deal through the platform — a deliberate, mutual step that ensures neither party is surprised.
Masked Messaging System
All buyer-seller communication happens inside PitchFree. Your personal email address and phone number are never shown in the conversation thread.
Messaging is private between you and the other party — no one else on the platform can read your messages. This keeps your personal details off public listings and out of the hands of strangers.
Secure Address Reveal
Collection address and contact details are shared only when both buyer and seller confirm they want to proceed. Here's how it works:
- Buyer and seller agree on the item via in-platform messages
- Both parties click Confirm Deal in the conversation
- Once both confirm, a secure one-time message unlocks the seller's full postcode and phone number
- This message is visible only to the two parties in that conversation
The reveal is a one-way, irreversible action. Once unlocked, arrange collection directly with the seller.
Suggested Safe Meeting Points
Every listing page shows suggested safe meeting places near the seller's postcode area — supermarkets, train stations, police stations, and community centres. These are linked directly to Google Maps so you can plan your route before you go.
For items you can carry, we strongly recommend meeting at one of these public locations rather than at the seller's home on first contact.
Safety Tips for Every Transaction
Meet in a public place
For small or medium items, suggest a supermarket car park, train station, or community centre. These are well-lit, busy, and have CCTV.
Bring a friend for large collections
Collecting a sofa, appliance, or bulky item? Bring someone with you — it's safer and makes loading much easier.
Tell someone where you're going
Before collecting, let a friend or family member know the address, your estimated return time, and the seller's name.
Collect during daylight hours
Arrange collections during the day wherever possible. Daylight hours make it easier to inspect items and feel confident about your surroundings.
Trust your instincts
If something feels off — the listing seems too good to be true, or the seller is pressuring you — walk away. Your safety is more important than any item.
Payment Advice
Inspect before you pay. Always check the item matches the listing description before handing over money.
Use bank transfer for high-value items. For items over £50, paying by bank transfer gives you a record of the transaction.
Never pay upfront for postal items. PitchFree is designed for local collection. Be very cautious of sellers asking for payment before you've seen the item.
Be aware of common scams. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Never send money to “reserve” an item to someone you haven't met in person.
Reporting Problems
Report a Listing
If you see a listing that looks fraudulent, dangerous, or prohibited, report it to our safety team. We review all reports within 24 hours.
safety@pitchfree.co.ukEmergency / Fraud
If you feel unsafe or have been the victim of fraud during a PitchFree transaction, contact the police first, then notify us.