🛒 Marketplace Safe Trading
While we aim to provide the safest possible environment for trading, the reality is simple: Hack Forums is not always a safe place to conduct business.
If you choose to use the Marketplace, you are responsible for protecting yourself. The steps below will reduce (but not eliminate) your risk.
✅ Safe Trading Checklist
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Search the member’s UID and username.
Use the Search Feature to look up the UID and name of the member you plan to deal with. If a Community Alert or Deal Dispute exists, you may find it in search results.
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Check the Deal Dispute Database.
Review the Deal Dispute Database for any open or historical disputes involving the member.
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Check Trust Scan (upgraded members).
If you are upgraded, review the user’s Trust Scan. It should not be your only factor, but it can help you spot suspicious account security patterns.
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ALWAYS use Contracts.
Use Contracts for every deal. Contracts exist for your protection and create an on-site record that can be used if a dispute occurs.
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Review the user’s Market Profile.
Check their Market Profile for Contracts history and their Credibility. It also links to dispute history when applicable.
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Use common sense.
This matters more than any tool. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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If you get scammed, do not close a dispute early.
If a seller pressures you to close a dispute, do not close it until you are satisfied with the outcome.
More information: Dispute Closing Policy
🆔 What is a UID and how do I find it?
A UID (User ID) is a unique identifier assigned to every Hack Forums account.
When you view a member’s profile, the URL will look like:
hackforums.net/member.php?action=profile&uid=129349
The number 129349 is that user’s UID.
💬 Methods of Communication
Hack Forums provides official communication methods that create reliable on-site records:
We strongly recommend using on-site communication for Marketplace deals because:
- On-site messages create a verifiable record tied to the correct account.
- Convo messages cannot be deleted.
- If one party deletes a PM, the other party still retains their copy.
- You can export your messages for your own records:
Export PMs
⚠️ Dangers of Off-Site Communication
Many scams happen because users move deals to off-site platforms such as Discord, Telegram, Skype, or email.
The biggest problem is simple: you cannot reliably confirm who you are speaking with off-site.
Impersonators frequently pose as reputable HF sellers. Usernames can be faked or made to look identical, and some platforms allow messages to be edited or deleted.
Red flags when someone pushes off-site communication:
- They try to rush the deal and pressure you to send first.
- They want to avoid using an HF Contract.
- They refuse to verify via HF PMs or Convo.
There are always risks in online trading. Using HF PMs and Convo helps reduce those risks because you can confirm the identity of the account you are dealing with.
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