OLX Kenya would like to draw attention to several instances of fraud that have been reported by its users. The company would like assure users that all advertisements posted on the site are intensely verified by an internal audit team before being posted online. However, OLX would to send a strong word of caution to all its users to beware of fraudsters who are posting genuine items, but later produce faulty ones or rip-off interested buyers.

The OLX platform views such incidents in a serious light and will continue to take the necessary actions, with the help of the police authorities, against individuals who intend to abuse the trust of OLX users. "Our internal team has already managed to capture some fake advertisements during the verification process and this adverts have not been posted", said Peter Ndiangúi, Country Manager, OLX Kenya.

OLX Kenya exhorts its users not to give out their personal information such as bank details. OLX Consumers should only provide information that is relevant to the transaction. If they encounter someone who is requesting for their financial information, OLX Kenya urges them to cancel the transaction immediately.

"We would like to also discourage buyers to carry large amounts of money when going to meet the seller. Mobile money is a safer option", added Ndiangúi.

Meeting a seller or a buyer in an isolated place is not a good idea. It is recommended to hold meetings in a public place like a shopping mall or a coffee shop and preferably seek the company of a third party as opposed to making the transaction alone.

Buyers are encouraged to check the size or the quality of their purchases before making the payment. It is important to view the product and to authenticate it before handing the cash. If they're not totally comfortable with the item, OLX Kenya advises them not to purchase it. When buying products, intuition should not be dismissed. Quite often, the gut instinct is right. In case of a fraud, contact OLX by clicking on the "Contact OLX" link at the bottom of the OLX home page.

SUMMARY OF THE DOS AND DON'TS WHEN MAKING ONLINE TRANSACTIONS:

1. How to safely transact with buyers or sellers?

Don't send or transfer money before you view the item you want to buy and you are satisfied that it meets your expectations.

Don't carry large amounts of money when going to meet the seller - Mobile Money is a safe option.

Don't meet a Seller/buyer in an isolated place. Always meet the buyer in a public place - like a shopping mall or coffee shop.

Ask for the seller's contact details if not provided on the site for example email or physical address and telephone number

Know what you are buying. Before making an offer to a seller, ask questions to learn more about what they are selling. You can send a seller a pre-sale note, and then make your offer when you are comfortable with purchasing the item

If you are a seller, ensure that the buyer gives you the full amount before you hand over the item to him/her. Don't accept cheques.

What are the things that potentially fraudulent sellers do?

Ask you to wire money into on International account. Seller may ask you to send payment overseas and will only accept Western Union or another money transfer service (e-Gold).

List an address that is different from the address on their item detail page.

Recommend an unfamiliar payment service.

Not be up front about the authenticity of items for sale.

Will not provide you a verifiable telephone number.

Try to convince you not to use payment services that offer protection.

Will repeatedly not answer phone calls or email.

Sell an expensive popular item at a suspiciously low price.

What are things that potentially fraudulent buyers do?

Ask you to wire money into their account before you view the item.

Buyer offers high-value (but fake) cashier's cheque in exchange for the item for sale. The value of cashier's cheque often far exceeds your item and the buyer asks you to wire the balance via money transfer service. Banks will often cash these fake cheque AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE WHEN THE CHEQUE FAILS TO CLEAR. Scam often involves a 3rd party (shipping agent, business associate owing buyer money). We would strongly advise you not to wire money.

Recommend an unfamiliar payment service.

Place large orders to be sent to a foreign location.

Say they will pay you half of what's due before they receive the item, and half payment afterwards.

Will not provide you a verifiable telephone number.

Pay with an international credit card or cashier's check.