There are honest people in the Minor Hockey Community posting on HockeyNeeds Market, which is safe to use. Yet, online Scammers are becoming more widespread and creative with their tactics and our users need to be aware of how to protect themselves.

Here on HockeyNeeds Market, we are trying to prevent the increase of fake ads. We work at the modernization of our software that automatically detects and removes a large number of fraud listings every day. We also have employees to keep our users safe.

However, our HockeyNeeds Community (you the users) play a crucial part in helping us delete bad ads and informing us. If you see suspicious gears, items and/or services, please let us know.

Here Are Some Tips To Help You Avoid Swindles And Fraud By Taking The Following Precautions:

1. When buying or selling: you should meet in-person to thoroughly inspect the product and then exchange funds. Meet in a public place with many people around, such as a coffee shop or at an Arena.
2. HockeyNeeds Market is not involved between the Buyer and Seller: Any transaction between Buyers and Sellers we do not handle payments, guarantee transactions, provide escrow services, offer "Buyer Protection" and/or "Seller Certification". Please read our Terms of Use.
3. Avoid deals that are “Too Good” to be true: Scammers try often to post fake ads, selling items that are significantly underpriced. If you see any of these fake ads, please report them by clicking "Report Abuse" in the ad.
4. Do not wire funds (Western Union, Money Gram, etc.): If you are asked to wire funds, you are talking to a scammer.
5. Beware of identity theft. Do not share your private info: Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes. Do not give out bank account numbers, passwords, mother's maiden name, date of birth, place of birth, credit card numbers, social security numbers, or any other personal information.
6. Beware of fake cashier's checks and money orders. Scammers will often send you a fake cashier's check valued above your asking price. The Scammer will then ask you to wire the over-payment back to them. Your bank may even cash this check, but when it has discovered that the check is fraudulent, you will be held responsible by your bank.

How to avoid them:

Only deal with people in your area: The best way to avoid Scammers is to deal locally, with people you can meet in person. Scammers will often contact you somewhere far away, asking you to ship the item you are selling. Beware of gears, items and/or services that are otherwise expensive or rare being offered for very cheap.

Lastly, Scammers will ask for shipping money even if the item was initially listed as free, which will never arrive.