Log-in Avatars: When registering, we ask users to choose an avatar to correspond with their account. This is to prevent password phishing. Some schemes use websites that look identical to PhiMart in an attempt to extract a user’s password and account information. At the real PhiMart website, when you enter your log-in ID, you will be shown your avatar on the next page. If you do not recognize the avatar, do not enter your password.

Ratings: Our ratings system is designed to help you discern trustworthy sellers. Clicking on a user’s ID takes you to their ratings page, where other buyers and sellers have reviewed their performance. The positive ratings are reflected as a percentage. Seller profiles are further broken down into Price, Product, Customer Service, and Shipping & Handling ratings. You should review the ratings before bidding or accepting bids.

Dispute Center: If a transaction dispute arises between you and another user, you may use the Dispute Center and attempt to reach a resolution. These disputes may be cancellations, missing products, or product returns.

Safe Guardian: Our Safe Guardian tutorial offers suggestions on what you can do against fraudulent buyers or sellers, based on the payment method used. It is recommended that you review these suggestions carefully before buying or selling.

1. Do NOT give out your personal information to e-mails purporting to be PhiMart. PhiMart will never ask you for your personal information through e-mail. This includes your name, password, bank information, PIN number, or social security number. These e-mails may look like it came from PhiMart, but it's likely to be a scam. Do not click on links included in these e-mails. Even if you don't enter in your personal information, spyware or Trojan programs may be downloaded on to your computer.
2. Do NOT log on to PhiMart through links in e-mails not sent by PhiMart. Some e-mails will link you to a site that looks like PhiMart and ask you to log-in. These may be password phishing schemes. Log-in to PhiMart through the website itself. Some e-mails from scammers may look like a PhiMart e-mail, please see Spoof Protection for more information.
3. Do NOT log-in to your PhiMart account if you do not recognize your avatar. It may be a false website phishing for your password. Contact PhiMart immediately.
4. Do NOT give out your password. You are responsible for the activities on your account. If your account has been stolen, contact PhiMart immediately.
5. DO use a secure password and secret question. Choose a password and secret question/answer that cannot be easily guessed. Your password should not be a dictionary word, your username, or any other easily identifiable word. Your secret question and answer should not be something that anyone can guess. For example, if you are based out of Los Angeles, you should not select "What is your favorite city?" as a secret question and enter "Los Angeles" as the corresponding answer.
6. DO monitor your account. Even if you're not currently conducting any transactions, you should log-in to My PhiMart periodically to make sure that there are no suspicious activities on your account.

If you notice any suspicious activity concerning your PhiMart account, change your password and secret question immediately; contact PhiMart at once.

1. Check User Ratings. Before placing a bid, you should check the user ratings of the seller. Clicking on a user's ID takes you to their User Ratings Profile, where you may see what others have said about their transactions with this seller. If the seller has multiple bad ratings, you may want to consider purchasing from another seller. Look for the Premium Top Sellers logo to find the most trusted sellers on PhiMart.
2. Review the Terms of Transaction. When you win an item, you are entering into a legally binding contract. Therefore you should carefully review all the terms of transaction before you place a bid. Some points to consider are: methods of payment, methods and terms of shipping, return policies, and warranties. If you have doubts or questions, ask the seller, or find another listing.
3. Use Safe Payment Methods. PhiMart discourages the use of cash or cash money transfers to pay for items. In the event that there is a dispute between you and the seller, there is no proof that payment was ever sent, and the seller can issue a strike against you. PayPal, credit/debit cards, and check/money orders are accepted and widely used methods of payments.

1. Setting Bidder Limits. As a seller, you may set limitations on who can bid on your item. Under your Selling Settings, you can block specific users, or place limitations based on country, ratings, ID verification, or payment. Keep in mind that while setting bidder limitations may offer greater protection, it can also keep out real buyers.
2. Managing Your Listing. To avoid conflict with buyers, write a clear and accurate description of your product. It is against PhiMart policies to misrepresent your item or attempt to mislead other users, and doing so can result in account suspensions. Return policies, warranties (if applicable), shipping costs, and shipping details should be clearly stated. You should also check the bidder's profile and ratings.
3. Verify Payment. Before you ship your product, you should have received and validated the buyer's payment. Some forms of payment offer security against seller fraud; consult the Safe Guardian for more details.
4. Safe Shipping. Review the buyer's information and verify their address. Tracking numbers and insurance are useful tools in ensuring your product's safe arrival. Keep copies of all receipts, shipping slips, and proof of authenticity, if applicable.