We are making Gumtree a safer place to sell and buy second-hand items. We recently introduced Mobile number verification as the latest verification feature Gumtree offers for our customers. This adds another level of safety to the platform and allows you to feel more comfortable trading and buying on the platform if a customer is a verified customer they have verified their email, ID and their mobile number.

What does it mean if a mobile number is verified on Gumtree?

This customer verified that their mobile number used on Gumtree is valid, reachable and accessible by performing phone number verification via an OTP. This process entails supplying their mobile number to Gumtree, receiving a real-time SMS that contains a unique PIN code and entering that PIN code on our platform. If the one-time PIN we sent matches the PIN the customer entered, the number gets successfully verified.

Where can I verify my mobile number?

• When registering a Gumtree account or login users will be prompted to verify their mobile number
• Users can verify their mobile number from their account page
• When posting an ad you will be prompted to verify your number if not already

How do I verify my mobile number?

• Enter your mobile number when prompted
• Wait for the One-Time-Pin(OTP) to arrive
• Enter the OTP on Gumtree
• If the number sent matches the number entered on Gumtree, the mobile number will be successfully verified 

What will happen when I have verified my number?

• The verified mobile number will automatically be added to all current and new ads
• You will not be able to edit your mobile number when posting an ad but will have the option to show or hide your number
• The verified number will be registered to one account and can't be verified on any other Gumtree account at the same time

What happens if my number changes?

• You will be able to update the mobile number linked to your Gumtree account if your mobile number changes
• You will need to get the new mobile number verified again
• You are limited to 5 number changes within 12 months
• Once your new mobile number is updated and verified, it will automatically update all current and new ads with the new number.

Benefits for sellers

• Indicates to buyers that SMS/Calls will be received by the seller
• Peace of mind that buyer replies will be received 
• Traceability of the customer in the unlikely event there is a dispute or malicious activity linked to the sale

Benefits for buyers

• Peace of mind that SMS/Calls will be received by sellers
• An indication that the seller has gone through the process of verification
• Traceability of the customer in the unlikely event there is a dispute or malicious activity linked to the sale