Blocking and safety in messages

If someone in your messages is spamming, scamming or bothering you, you can block them, and report them to our team. Blocking is private: the other person isn't told.

How do I block someone from a conversation?

1. Open the conversation with that person in Messages.
2. Below the reply box, tap Block followed by their name.
3. A confirmation appears: "Block (name)? You won't see each other's posts or comments, and they can't message you, comment on your posts or follow you. They won't be told."
4. Confirm.

The button changes to Unblock followed by their name.

How do I block someone from their profile?

1. Open their profile (tap their name in the conversation header, on a listing under Posted by, or anywhere else on the site).
2. Scroll to the bottom of the profile.
3. Tap Block followed by their first name, and confirm.

The profile's block button remembers whether you've already blocked them, so it's the most reliable place to check.

What happens when I block someone?

Once you block someone:

• they can't message you, and you can't message them,
• they can't comment on your posts or follow you,
• neither of you sees the other's posts or comments,
• you won't see each other in the feed.

They aren't told that you blocked them, and nothing on their side announces it. See Blocking people for how blocking works across the whole site.

Does blocking delete our conversation?

No. Blocking stops new messages, but it doesn't delete the conversation or any messages already sent. Conversations can't be deleted from either side. If a conversation contains something that should be removed, like threats or someone else's personal information, email support@undergroundaquarium.com.

Can I block someone from a listing page?

There's no block button on a listing itself. To block a seller, tap their name under Posted by to open their profile, then use Block at the bottom. If they've messaged you, you can also block them from the conversation.

How do I unblock someone?

• From your settings: go to Account & data and find Blocked accounts. Tap Unblock next to the person. If you haven't blocked anyone, it says "You haven't blocked anyone."
• From their profile: tap Unblock followed by their name at the bottom.
• From your conversation: tap Unblock followed by their name below the reply box (right after blocking them).

Once unblocked, you can message each other again. They aren't told about that either.

How do I report someone who's messaging me?

There isn't a report button inside conversations. Instead:

• Report their profile: open their profile, scroll to the bottom and tap Report.
• Report their listing: if the conversation is about one of their ads, open the listing and tap Report under the safety note.

Then pick a reason (Spam, Scam or fraud, Prohibited or illegal, Offensive or inappropriate, Misleading or inaccurate or Other), add details in Anything else? if it helps, and tap Send report. You'll see "Thanks, this has been sent to our moderators." You need to be signed in to report. See Reporting content.

For anything serious or urgent, you can also email support@undergroundaquarium.com. Include the person's username and what happened.

What should I do if I think a message is a scam?

Common warning signs in classifieds messages:

• asking you to pay a deposit or "hold fee" before you've met,
• asking for gift cards, wire transfers or payment to someone other than the person you're meeting,
• a buyer offering to pay more than you asked, or sending a "check" for extra,
• pushing you to move to email or text straight away,
• a story that keeps changing, or pressure to decide fast.

Don't send money or personal details. Report their profile (and their listing, if there is one) with Scam or fraud, then block them. See Safe local pickup.

How can I keep myself safe in messages?

The conversation page reminds you: keep the conversation on the site until you agree to meet. Underground Aquarium doesn't handle payment for free listings, so never wire money or send gift cards to someone you haven't met.

A few more tips:

• Your email address is never shown in messages. You don't have to share it, or your phone number, unless you want to.
• Don't share your home address until you're comfortable. Meeting somewhere public is often easier.
• Check the person's profile: when they joined, their tanks and their other listings.
• If a conversation turns uncomfortable, you can simply stop replying, or block.

Does blocking stop the emails too?

Yes, in practice. Blocked people can't message you, so no new message emails arrive from them. See Message notifications.

Common problems

The conversation still says "Block" after I blocked them. The block button inside a conversation doesn't always show that you've already blocked someone when you come back later. Check their profile or Account & data under Blocked accounts: if they're listed there, the block is in place.

I blocked someone but their conversation is still in my inbox. Blocking doesn't remove existing conversations. They just can't send you new messages.

I can't message someone. One of you may have blocked the other. If you blocked them, unblock them from Blocked accounts in Account & data. If they blocked you, there's nothing to change on your side.

Blocking showed an error. The error appears in small red text under the button. Refresh the page and try again. If it keeps happening, email support@undergroundaquarium.com with the person's username.

I blocked the wrong person. Unblock them from Blocked accounts in Account & data. They were never told either way.