Staying safe on OpenSky24
OpenSky24 is a classifieds marketplace: buyers and sellers deal with each other directly, and we are not part of the transaction. These practical steps help you trade with confidence.
Meeting a buyer or seller
- Meet in a busy public place during daylight — a café, shopping centre car park or a police station car park.
- Bring someone with you, especially for high-value items or late meetings.
- Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- For property viewings or home pick-ups, avoid going alone and never hand over keys or documents before payment clears.
Inspecting the item before you pay
- See the item in person and test it before handing over any money.
- For vehicles, check the registration documents, service history and VIN against the ad, and consider an independent inspection.
- For phones and laptops, power the device on, check it is not locked to another account, and confirm the serial number.
- If the item does not match the description or photos, walk away.
Payments
- Never pay a deposit for an item you have not seen.
- Be wary of anyone insisting on gift cards, crypto, money-transfer services or links to unfamiliar payment pages.
- For larger amounts, a bank transfer completed in person — after inspection — leaves a clear record.
- OpenSky24 does not hold funds, process buyer–seller payments or offer escrow. Anyone claiming to be 'OpenSky24 payment protection' is not us.
Common scams to recognise
- A price far below market value, with pressure to decide immediately.
- A seller or buyer who cannot meet, is 'abroad', or wants to use a courier or shipping agent they arrange.
- Overpayment scams: a buyer 'accidentally' sends too much and asks you to refund the difference.
- Requests to move the conversation off-platform straight away, or to share a verification code sent to your phone.
- Fake payment confirmation emails or screenshots — always confirm the funds in your own bank account.
Protecting your personal information
- Use the on-site messaging until you are comfortable sharing a phone number.
- Never share bank passwords, card PINs, one-time codes or copies of your ID with another user.
- Remove documents, number plates and house numbers from your listing photos.
- Use a strong, unique password for your OpenSky24 account.
Reporting a suspicious listing or user
- If an ad or message looks fraudulent, stop the conversation and do not send money.
- Report it to us through the contact form with the listing link and any message details.
- If you have lost money or feel unsafe, contact the Cyprus Police — OpenSky24 will cooperate with lawful requests.