Let’s put your safety belts on!
Your safety is important to us! That is why we've taken measures to ensure that your experience on our website is as smooth and safe as much as possible.
While browsing the site, you may find a variety of products and services you might be interested in. It's good to know that the vast majority of ads are posted by good people so you can do business and have great deals. It's however important to take precautions and preventive measures in your dealings with any user so you can prevent yourself from any possible scam or fraud.
We've outlined below a few safety tips to follow while you trade on our platform.
Never do business with people who refuse to meet you in person. Do business with people who you can meet in person and in a public place where you are surrounded by other people. This way you can inspect the item before purchasing and also call for help if there is any reason to.
Ask for detailed information about the condition of the item, the price, payment, and delivery method. There should be no surprises.
Never send money by Mobile Money, Western Union, MoneyGram, or other payment systems to anybody to pay for an item you have not yet seen or received. The best way to transact is to collect the item and pay at the same time.
Watch out for unrealistic offers. Most scams begin this way. Unrealistic offers are used to motivate people to make hasty and uninformed decisions. Do your research on comparative prices for the product. This way you will know if a product is quoted at a very unrealistic price.
Be cautious when an ad appears too good to be true.
Never send money or products abroad.
Never give out your financial details.
Do not accept checks.
Check the functionality of any item you buy if it is an electronic device. In case it is a vehicle, request for a test drive where both parties ride along. Remember to verify vehicle chassis number and never drive to obscure places.
Always double-check the relevant documentation regarding any real estate from the relevant department before making a purchase. Such purchases involve big money and you wouldn't want to risk losing your investment. It is recommended to purchase items directly from the seller or owner of the item and not through any other third party. If a third party is involved such as an agent or brokerage firm, make sure you verify the genuineness of the agent or brokerage firm. If something is not right, do not proceed with your purchase and try other sellers.
Only use payment methods that you trust and are familiar with.
So here's a quick summary...
For buyers, pay attention and be extra vigilant when:
The seller cannot meet in a public place but insists he or she will deliver the item by other means; probably a courier.
The seller gives different information from the one provided in the ad.
The seller asks for an advance payment before delivering the item.
The product has a suspiciously low price.
The seller requests personal information such as bank details, mobile money numbers or pins, debit or credit card numbers, etc. other information that could be misused.
The ad appears too good to be true!
For sellers, pay attention and be extra vigilant when:
The buyer insists on paying via Check, Western Union, or MoneyGram.
The buyer is located in a foreign country.
The buyer insists on receiving the item before paying for it.
The buyer requests personal information which is not relevant to the transaction such as bank details, email address, debit credit card numbers, etc., or other information that could be misused.
If you have been a victim of fraud, please contact your local Police Department. You could also kindly share your experience with us so we can provide more safety tips on how to keep the platform safe for other users.