How to Spot and Avoid Online Scams When Buying and Selling

Online marketplaces make it easier to find customers and bargains, but they also attract dishonest people. Scams are usually not clever; they depend on urgency, trust and carelessness. If you know the common patterns, you can avoid most of them. These tips apply to any classified site or marketplace, including Yananyaa Market.

Warning signs for buyers

• The price is far too low. A new phone or car at half the usual price is almost always a trap.
• The seller asks for payment first and refuses to meet or to show the item.
• Pressure to decide quickly. Scammers say many people are interested so that you will not think carefully.
• Photos look copied. Professional or inconsistent pictures may be taken from other websites.
• The seller wants to move the conversation immediately to a private channel and avoids answering simple questions.

Safe habits for buyers

Meet in a public, busy place during daytime and bring a friend if possible. Inspect the item before paying. For electronics, check that the device turns on, the screen works and the serial number matches the box. Pay only after you are satisfied, and prefer a payment method that gives you a record. Never share passwords, one-time codes or banking details with a seller.

Warning signs for sellers

• A buyer sends a fake payment message or screenshot and asks you to release the item.
• A buyer offers more than your asking price and asks you to send the difference back.
• A buyer wants to send a courier of their own and asks for your personal details.
• Someone asks you to click a link to receive payment.

Safe habits for sellers

Confirm that money has actually arrived in your account before handing over the goods. A screenshot is not proof. Do not share your address if a public meeting is possible, and keep a record of the conversation. If a deal feels uncomfortable, you are free to walk away.

Protect your personal information

Share only what is necessary. Your name and a phone number are usually enough for a local sale. Do not send photos of identity documents unless there is a clear and legitimate reason.

If something goes wrong

Stop all contact with the scammer, keep screenshots and details, and report the listing to the platform. For serious fraud, contact your bank or mobile money provider and the local police. Warn friends and family so that the same trick does not work twice. The best protection is patience: if you slow down and ask questions, most scams fall apart.