Safe Buying & Selling
We take all the necessary precautions to ensure that our platform is a safe place for car sellers and buyers to transact. However, since we are not fully involved all actual transactions, we offer these key tips to stay safe.
Safety Tips For Car Buyers
Communication
Insist on speaking directly to the seller on the phone. Most online scams are conducted via email or SMS only. Speak to the seller more than once. Confirm their telephone number so that you can call back with follow up questions.
Look out for:
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Vehicles advertised with prices that are significantly below the market value. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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The registration plate, car identification and engine numbers match the information in any paperwork or insurance documentation.
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Similar advertisements made for the same car elsewhere at a different price, the scammer may have replicated a genuine seller's advertisement and altered the contact details, then lowered the car's price to entice victims.
Never:
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Send money through a wire transfer or mobile banking service to people you do not know or trust.
Send your personal or financial details to a seller.
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Agree to go on a test drive in an area you do not know. Insist on meeting in a safe well lit location. Preferably where CCTV is available and agree the route of a test drive beforehand.
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Share your personal details, account details, Mpesa details or banking information.
- Share your Cheki login credentials or Reveal the current location of the vehicle.
Closing the Deal
Know how much you're willing to accept and prepare to negotiate to a minimum price.
Don't take your ad down until you are certain you have received payment from the buyer - it won't cost you anything to have it up longer.
Don't rely on "proof" of payment from the buyer. Check with your bank or other provider that the money has been cleared and you can see the funds in your account before parting with your item.
Only accept cash inside the premises of your bank where potential fakes can be checked or so you do not carry large amounts of cash in public after a sale.
Beware of forged bank cheques. Electronic transfers which can be confirmed by your bank are the safest option. A genuine buyer will never object.
Give the buyer a receipt to confirm you've received their payment.
Insist on a receipt from the buyer confirming delivery of your vehicle.
Never:
- Send money through a wire transfer or mobile banking service to people you do not know or trust. Send your personal or financial details to a seller.
- Agree to go on a test drive in an area you do not know. Insist on meeting in a safe well lit location. Preferably where CCTV is available and agree the route of a test drive beforehand.
- Share your personal details, account details, Mpesa details or banking information.
- Share your Cheki login credentials or Reveal the current location of the vehicle.
Closing the Deal
Know how much you're willing to accept and prepare to negotiate to a minimum price. Don't take your ad down until you are certain you have received payment from the buyer - it won't cost you anything to have it up longer. Don't rely on "proof" of payment from the buyer. Check with your bank or other provider that the money has been cleared and you can see the funds in your account before parting with your item. Only accept cash inside the premises of your bank where potential fakes can be checked or so you do not carry large amounts of cash in public after a sale. Beware of forged bank cheques. Electronic transfers which can be confirmed by your bank are the safest option. A genuine buyer will never object. Give the buyer a receipt to confirm you've received their payment. Insist on a receipt from the buyer confirming delivery of your vehicle.Leave Us Amessage
