5 Tips for Buying Safely on OLX

Do you love buying products on OLX? Have you ever considered that a percentage of the people selling on the platform could be scammers? How can you avoid them as you get the products you want to purchase?

Just like any other platform, online scammers and fraudsters in OLX are continuously increasing. Therefore, you need to take some measures before and during a transaction. Despite being one of the top selling and buying platform in Africa, OLX has also faced challenges bringing down fraudsters.

It is at times challenging for the organizations’ management system to spot and do away these characters. And this is why you need to acquaint yourself with tips on how to transact safely.

To stay safe on your online transactions, here are some recommended steps to take before making the purchase every time.

READ ALSO: How to avoid online scammers

1. Verify Products before Purchase

When researching for the product, you should watch out for the "too good" deals that seem not to be real. At times we are lured in by an item’s low pricing when we should focus on its authenticity. You ought to verify the pricing, contact information, and even the condition of, the product before purchase. Doing so helps you understand more about the product.

Let’s discuss.

• The Pricing

If you already know the prices of such devices and appliances in the real market, it should be easy to identify shady deals. The pricing range, for a scammer’s property, is always suspiciously low. The scammer aims to attract customers and to con them.

If you don’t know the market value of an item, you can Google-search it or check for similar products on other platforms such as Jumia, Amazon, and other e-commerce websites.

• Contact Information

The contact information is the most crucial data for any transaction to complete. So, before you buy any product from an internet user, ensure that you know every detail about the seller. The data is for legal proof and to be sure that they are not scammers. If you note any suspicious information, cancel the transaction.

Most scammers are users that fail to reveal their identity. Some of the details include mobile number. You should avoid such people. They also lie about their gender or class. It is recommendable that you meet the person at a public place before making the purchase.

• The Condition of the Product

After making agreements on your sales terms, you should inquire to see the products to verify their state and learn about their damages and downsides before purchasing.

If it is an electrical gadget, ensure that it is functioning. Other products such as property, houses, and vehicles should have official documentation to show ownership. Ensure that you talk to the owner of the products. Do not accept deals from go-betweens or other people affiliated to the owners. In any other case ensure you meet the seller.

2. Never Rush Transactions

Another common trait with online scammers is that they rush transactions. Most scammers will speed the deal to spoof money from you before you realize and counter their schemes. Some scam action to watch out for include:

1. Scammers ask for processing fees.

2. Requesting registration fees for a highly competitive event.

3. Begging for transport or miscellaneous expenses to reach you.

4. And also asking for a deposit to book a product or house.

When faced with such characters, you are advised to contact OLX customer care immediately and ignore the mobile subscriber if they try to contact you. You should not purchase a product, you have never seen and do not send money to a person, whom you don’t know.

3. Keep your Financial Information Safe

When making any online purchases, ensure that you keep your credit card information and other personal data safe. Giving out personal information makes you vulnerable to blackmail. In some cases, scammers take advantage of the trust from buyers and access crucial data about your Facebook and Email passwords.

Flimflam from some of the OLX fraudsters, can go to getting your hard-earned money in the bank account. If someone inquiries about your credit card information, mobile pin-number, or any other scheme that involves your data cancel the transaction. Some will claim that they want to make a trade by gaining access into your account, you should cancel the deal immediately and contact OLX customer care.

4. Buy Locally or Take a Friend

To secure online sales, you need to avoid risks as much as possible. One of the most risk-free methods of buying on OLX is finding sellers who live near you. These are people in your neighborhood, town, or even your village. It makes it easier for you to check on the status of the products and identify your seller.

While purchasing goods from people who live far, you must be extra vigilant. To be more secure, ask a friend to accompany you to see the seller. It’s better to risk a few shillings rather than risk large sums of cash and even your life.

READ ALSO: How not to get scammed on Facebook?

5. Full Payment and Delivery otherwise No Sale

As a buyer, do not make partial payments for any device to a person you’ve never seen. Take charge and once you close the deal be the custodian of the goods whatsoever the case. Also, ensure the product satisfies you before making the payment. Remember, the person selling the device to you is a stranger. You may probably never meet again with the seller for life.

The same security measures, which you take while dealing with live sellers is the same caution that you should apply with online sellers. Some are believed to operate from far while others are seemingly innocent men and women within.

It is reasonable to assume that everyone who sells is a scammer. This way you can avoid regretful entrust to criminals.

Bottom line

Alternatively, you can check out Escrow Kenya to help you complete transactions without any demerits. We operate on authenticity and protect both the buyer and seller. The service provider will secure your money into our accounts and release it as soon as the transaction is complete. Follow the tips and trade safely. For more information about securing online purchases via escrow contact our team of support. Enjoy your shopping in OLX!