Meeting neighbors safely
KensList is neighbors dealing directly with neighbors. That's the point — and it means a few habits go a long way. None of this is complicated; it's the same advice you'd give a friend.
- 1
Meet in a public place
A busy parking lot, coffee shop, or the lobby of a police station. Daylight when you can. For big items, bring a friend.
- 2
Inspect before you pay
Turn it on, plug it in, check the serial. If it isn't as described, it's fine to walk away.
- 3
Cash or in-person payment apps
Pay when you have the item in hand. Never wire money, buy gift cards, or send a deposit to "hold" something.
- 4
Keep it on KensList
Use Messages until you've agreed to meet. Be wary of anyone who pushes to move to text or email immediately.
- 5
Protect your info
You never need to share your SSN, bank login, or a photo of your ID to buy or sell locally.
- 6
Trust your gut
If a deal feels off — too cheap, too urgent, too many excuses — it probably is. Report it so we can take a look.
Hiring a Pro
Insurance and license details on Pro profiles are self-reported and not verified by KensList. Before work starts: confirm the license with the issuing board (for California contractors, the CSLB at cslb.ca.gov), ask for a certificate of insurance, get the scope and price in writing, and never pay the full amount up front.
See something off?
Every listing and profile has a ⚑ Reportbutton. Reports go straight to a human, and listings that mention prohibited items are held automatically until someone looks. Suspected scams, harassment, or anything that made you uncomfortable — report it, even if you're not sure.