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Safety first

Safety guidelines Meet on campus. Pay in person.

KitabPadhoIndia is a marketplace for students of the same college. Everyone who sells or chats here has had their college ID checked by a campus ambassador, and automatic checks hide phone numbers in chats and warn you about likely scams. That helps, but it is not a guarantee. These simple habits help keep every deal safe.

In danger right now? Call 112, then campus security. See emergency steps.

Safety in 30 seconds

  1. Meet only at a listed campus pickup point, in daytime.
  2. Inspect the item before you pay.
  3. Pay in person by UPI or cash. Never pay in advance.
  4. Keep chats in the app. No phone numbers needed.
  5. Report anything that feels wrong.

Meet safely

Every exchange happens in person, on your campus. Follow these four rules for every meet-up.

Changed your mind? You can say no at any point, even at the pickup point. No book is worth feeling unsafe.

Pay safely

KitabPadhoIndia does not handle payments. You pay the seller directly, in person, only after you have checked the item.

Before you pay, check

Books
Right subject and edition. No missing pages. An original print, not a photocopy.
Drawing board and mini-drafter
The board is flat. The scales are straight, and the head and clamp move smoothly.
Scientific calculator
It switches on and every key works. Check it is a model your exams allow.
Lab coat
Right size. No tears or permanent stains.

KitabPadhoIndia never asks you for money

We don't process payments between students and we never ask for an advance. Our team will never ask you for money, an OTP, your UPI PIN or bank details, by chat, call, SMS, WhatsApp or email. Anyone who does is not us. Please report them.

After you meet

Both of you tap Exchange done in the chat. Tap it only after the item and the money have changed hands. When you both confirm, the item is marked sold and you can rate each other from 1 to 5 stars.

Chat safely

Chat is built into the app, so you never have to share your phone number.

Short on time? Use quick replies

Ask for one more photo or a short video in the chat before you meet, and fix a time at the pickup point. Just tap a ready-made message in the chat:

  • Is it still available?
  • Can we meet at the library gate today?
  • Can you share one more photo?
  • Okay, see you there!

Spot a scam

Most scams use the same few tricks. If you see one of these red flags, stop and report it.

If something goes wrong

Don't panic, and don't stay quiet. Here is what to do.

  1. Stop and step away

    Stop replying. Don't meet and don't pay. You can walk away from any deal, at any time.

  2. Tap Report

    In a chat, tap the three-dot menu and choose Report this chat. On a listing, tap the flag icon. To report a person, long-press one of their messages to open their profile.

  3. Pick a reason

    Choose the reason that fits best, add details if you want, then tap Send report.

  4. We review it

    Our team reviews reports, usually within 24 hours, and acts when our rules are broken. Reports go only to our team, not to the other person.

Report reasons in the app

  • Fake or misleading listing
  • Photocopied / pirated book
  • Prohibited item
  • Harassment or abuse
  • Didn't show up
  • Unsafe meet-up
  • Something else

Block and report

Long-press one of their messages to open their profile, then tap Block. They can't message you or start a new chat with you after that. Report them too, so our team can check their account. You can see and unblock people in Settings, under Blocked users.

Bothered on WhatsApp, Instagram or by phone? Block them there as well, and report them in the app. Take screenshots first. Keep them in case you need to make a police complaint.

Talk to a person

Email [email protected] with the subject “Grievance: …”. Tell us what happened and the item name, and attach screenshots if you have them. If you feel unsafe, start the subject with “Urgent:” instead.

Read how our Grievance Officer handles complaints.

In an emergency

If you feel unsafe or someone is hurt, don't wait. 112 is India's emergency number.

Call 112

KitabPadhoIndia is not an emergency service and cannot send help. Always call 112 first.

  • Go to campus security

    Find the nearest security guard or the campus security office. Save their phone number today, before you need it.

  • Then tell us

    Once you are safe, report the chat or listing in the app. Choose Unsafe meet-up or Harassment or abuse. You can also email [email protected] with the subject “Urgent: …”.

  • Lost money to a scam?

    Call your bank straight away. Then call 1930, the national cyber crime helpline, or report it at cybercrime.gov.in.

Extra tips for women students

Everyone deserves to feel safe on campus. These tips can help anyone feel more confident, so use the ones that work for you.

Your ID photo stays private. Only you and the reviewers can see the college ID photo you upload, and it is deleted right after review.

Questions about safety?

Write to [email protected]. For complaints, use the subject “Grievance: …” so your email goes straight to our Grievance Officer.

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Last updated: 23 October 2026