information Remember this is a business transaction, so never reveal Social Security numbers, home or business addresses or banking information. 9. Keep your cell phone close Have a cell phone in your hand during the entire transaction and be ready to call 911 at the first sign of trouble. 8. Do n't use your personal email Use an anonymous email address to communicate with the buyer or seller. 7. Disable caller ID Disable caller ID when calling the buyer or seller on the phone. Most cell phone and landline carriers offer this by dialing * 67 before making the outgoing call. 6. Do n't pay in cash Do not accept cash and do not offer to pay in cash. Use a cashier's check instead and make it a non-negotiable term of the transaction. 5. If it's a high-priced transaction, do it at a bank The higher the price of the item involved, the higher the risk of the transaction. Conduct these transactions at a banking facility so a banking professional can confirm the funds have been delivered successfully. 4. Always meet during the day Never conduct your transactions at night. 3. Never meet at home Find a neutral site to meet -- never at your or someone else's home. 2. Tell someone Tell a trusted friend or family member what you 're doing and have another trusted friend or family member accompany you to the transaction. 1. Always meet in a public place Most police departments will be happy