For buyers — before you pay
Look at star rating, total reviews, response time and how long they've been on SoulShive. The gold Verified badge means their identity has been confirmed by our team.
All photos must be original, unedited images of the actual item. Ask for additional close-up photos or a short video. A genuine seller will always comply. Refuse any listing using stock or AI-generated images.
For items over £20, always use PayPal G&S — it gives full buyer protection under PayPal's Purchase Protection policy. Never use Friends & Family — you lose all protection.
Do not move communication to WhatsApp, Telegram or email before agreeing a deal. On-platform messages serve as evidence in any dispute with us, PayPal or your bank.
For cash meetups, always choose a busy, well-lit public location — a supermarket, town centre or police station. Many UK police stations now offer a "Safe Exchange Zone" specifically for online marketplace meetups.
Price too good to be true? Seller rushes you? Refuses more photos? Insists on unusual payment? Walk away and report the listing immediately. Our team acts within 24 hours.
Scam red flags — walk away immediately if you see these
For sellers — protect yourself
Never share personal bank details until payment is agreed and identity verified.
Photograph your item before and after packaging. Keep receipts or proof of purchase.
For meetups, take a friend. Prefer daytime in a public place.
For high-value items (£200+), insist on tracked, signed-for courier — never untracked.
For PayPal: only send the item once the payment shows as "Goods & Services" and is no longer "pending".
Report buyers who offer overpayment or suggest unusual payment methods immediately — classic scam pattern.
UK Legal Protections
Sellers must not give false impressions about an item. Violations are a criminal offence.
Goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. Applies to business sellers.
Fraudulent misrepresentation in a sale is a criminal offence punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.
Banks must reimburse most victims of Authorised Push Payment fraud up to £85,000.
Platforms like SoulShive must take reasonable steps to prevent illegal content and protect users.
Selling stolen goods is money laundering. Penalties include up to 14 years imprisonment.
Need help?
Need help from SoulShive? Email us at Suport@soulshive.com — we respond within 24 hours.
Fraud & cybercrime: Report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. For immediate danger, call 999. For cybercrime advice: National Cyber Security Centre — ncsc.gov.uk.