Sharing My Contact Details

Why typed phone numbers get redacted, how to share verified contact safely, and why same-state deals are cash at an in-person meetup.

4 min read Messages

We block typed phone numbers and emails in chat on purpose — it stops scammers from pulling you off-platform. When you are ready to share, add a US mobile number in Settings and use the Share contact button beside Send in one-on-one messages. Start with the Golden Rule to confirm whether this is the same-state path.

  1. Add your US mobile in Settings → Basic (optional at signup too)
  2. Wait for Verified status
  3. Open a one-on-one Selling or Buying conversation
  4. Tap Share beside Send, then pick Both, Phone, or Email
Same state? Meet in person. Pay cash at the meetup. Never wire money. Anyone asking you to wire money to them is a scammer. If you are in different states, only pay the FFL you both chose after you call that dealer.

Why typed numbers get redacted

If you type a phone number or email into the message box, our system replaces it with [Redacted Phone Number] or [Redacted Email]. That is automatic scam protection — not a bug.

  • Workarounds like spacing digits (5 5 5 1 2 3 4) still count.
  • Repeated attempts may trigger moderation warnings or temporary messaging limits.
  • Keep deal details in the thread; share contact info only when you are ready using the official button.
You stay in control. Your number is never public on your profile. You choose when to share it, and only with the person in that conversation.

The right way: Share contact

In one-on-one conversations (Selling or Buying tabs), tap the Share button beside Send. It opens a short menu of what you can send:

  • Both — your phone and email together
  • Phone — your verified US mobile, as a tappable call link
  • Email — your verified email, as a tappable mail link

If only one channel is verified, the button is labeled with it directly (Phone or Email) and sends that channel.

One tap sends it. An undo toast appears for a few seconds if you change your mind (before the other person reads it).

A one-on-one message thread with the Share button beside Send ringed to show where to tap
Tap Share beside Send to open the menu of what you can share.

Group chats do not have Share contact — only private buyer/seller threads.

Adding and verifying your mobile number

Go to Settings → Basic or add an optional number when you sign up.

  • Pending — we are checking the number. You cannot edit or remove it until verification finishes. You can still message normally.
  • Verified — ready to share in messages.
  • Invalid — the number failed checks (for example toll-free or invalid US format). Try a different US mobile number.

Verification uses free, local US numbering rules — toll-free and invalid formats are rejected. We do not use paid carrier APIs or Google services for this check.

For private sellers

  • Negotiate price and meetup details in the thread first.
  • Share your phone when you are ready for a call — not by typing it.
  • Meet in person. Pay cash at the meetup. Never wire money.

For FFL dealers

  • The same Share contact flow works for your shop mobile.
  • For interstate transfers, coordinate the receiving FFL in-thread — see Choosing an FFL.
  • Share FFL details when appropriate, but confirm you are talking to the right party first.

If you keep typing contact info

Messages may be redacted, withheld, or count toward moderation warnings. Read Scam prevention for red flags to watch for.

Common questions

Why did my phone number turn into [Redacted Phone Number]?
Typing contact info in chat is blocked for scam protection. Use Share contact beside Send only for a same-state deal, then meet in person and pay cash at the meetup. Never wire money.
Can I share my email in a message?
Use Share contact if your email is verified and you are in the same state. Meet in person, pay cash at the meetup, and never wire money.
Do I have to add a phone number?
No. Phone is optional and only needed if you want to share a number with someone you are messaging.
Can I share contact info in group chats?
No. Sharing is for one-on-one Selling or Buying conversations only.

Your Inbox

How conversations are grouped (selling, buying, groups) and how to read or reply.

3 min

Group Chats

Use group conversations to chat with members of a group you have joined.

3 min

Blocking and Reporting

Stop unwanted messages from a user and flag bad behavior for our review.

3 min
Field brief
Quick read

How do you Sharing My Contact Details?

American Gun Trader Help Center

Gunny, American Gun Trader's happy eagle copilot

This Help Center article explains Sharing My Contact Details step by step for American Gun Trader users — private sellers, buyers, and verified FFL dealers.

Gunny's full field brief Read more Show less

How do you Sharing My Contact Details? This Help Center article explains Sharing My Contact Details step by step for American Gun Trader users — private sellers, buyers, and verified FFL dealers. Follow the instructions in the body to complete the task inside your account without sharing passwords or payment details in public channels. When a task touches firearm transfers, confirm federal, state, and local rules separately using our state law guides and how-to pillars. American Gun Trader provides moderated messaging and hand-reviewed listings, but users remain responsible for lawful compliance on every sale. If the screenshots or menu labels differ slightly after a platform update, the underlying workflow usually remains the same — contact support from your account if you are stuck. Listings are reviewed before they go live and messaging is moderated to reduce scams.