Safety tips
The golden rules
- Never pay a deposit before you’ve seen the item or the property.
- Meet the seller in a public place, during the day, and bring someone with you if you can.
- Stay in Bonsouk messaging: it keeps a record in case of a dispute.
- Be wary of a price far below the market or a seller in a hurry.
Buying a vehicle
- Ask for the registration document (carte grise) and check that the seller’s name matches.
- Ask for the certificate of non-pledge (certificat de non-gage) and a roadworthiness test (contrôle technique) less than 6 months old.
- Compare the vehicle’s identification number (VIN) with the one on the registration document.
- Have the vehicle checked by a mechanic of your choice before you pay.
Renting or buying a home
- Always visit the property before paying anything.
- Ask for a written lease and a receipt for the security deposit.
- When buying, go through a notary and ask for the mandatory property surveys (diagnostics).
Replying to a job offer
- A genuine job offer never asks the candidate for money (application fees, training, visa…).
- Don’t send a copy of your ID card before a real interview.
- Report any offer that asks you to pay.
