Your Safety is Our Priority

Stay Safe on Kinitask

Buying and selling online in Nigeria is convenient and rewarding — but it pays to be informed. These tips will help you trade confidently and avoid common scams.

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For Buyers

How to Buy Safely

Follow these guidelines to protect yourself every time you make a purchase on Kinitask.

Always Meet in a Public Place

Choose busy, well-lit locations like bank lobbies, shopping malls, police stations, or busy markets. Avoid meeting at private residences, especially for first-time transactions.

Inspect Before You Pay

Never pay for an item you have not physically inspected. Test electronics, check vehicles with a trusted mechanic, and verify documents before handing over any money.

Avoid Upfront Payments

Do not pay a deposit or full payment before receiving the item. Legitimate sellers do not require advance payment for items you have not yet seen.

Verify the Seller's Identity

Speak with the seller by phone before meeting. Be cautious of sellers who only communicate via text or WhatsApp and refuse voice or video calls.

Request Additional Photos or Videos

Ask for extra photos or a short video of the item before travelling. Scammers often use stock images or photos stolen from other listings.

Bring a Friend or Family Member

For high-value transactions — vehicles, electronics, real estate — always bring someone you trust. Never go alone to meet a stranger for a large purchase.

Keep Communication on Kinitask

Use Kinitask's built-in messaging system. This creates a record of all communication and makes it easier to report suspicious behaviour to our team.

Count Your Money Carefully

When paying cash, count every note carefully in a safe location. Be aware of counterfeit currency — consider using a bank transfer for large amounts.

For Sellers

How to Sell Safely

Protect yourself and your earnings with these essential seller safety practices.

Protect Your Personal Information

Never share your home address, BVN, NIN, or bank account details in your listing or with buyers you have not verified. Use Kinitask messaging instead of sharing your personal phone number publicly.

Confirm Payment Before Releasing Items

Always verify that funds have cleared in your bank account before handing over any item. Do not release goods based on a screenshot or verbal confirmation alone.

Beware of Fake Payment Alerts

Fraudsters send fake bank SMS alerts or email receipts that look real. Log in directly to your bank app or USSD to confirm the credit before releasing any item.

Be Wary of Overpayment Requests

If a buyer 'accidentally' sends more than the agreed price and asks you to refund the excess, it is almost certainly a scam. Reverse the transaction through your bank immediately.

Choose Safe Meeting Locations

Meet buyers in public, well-lit places. For valuable items, consider meeting at a bank branch where the buyer can withdraw cash on the spot — reducing payment risk for both parties.

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels wrong — a buyer who is too eager, offers well above asking price, or pressures you to act quickly — walk away. Legitimate buyers respect your pace.

Quick Reference: Do's & Don'ts

A fast-reference guide to the most important safety rules on Kinitask.

Always Do This

  • Meet in a public, well-lit location
  • Inspect items thoroughly before paying
  • Verify bank credits in your own app
  • Bring a trusted person for large deals
  • Use Kinitask messaging for all communication
  • Report suspicious listings immediately
  • Verify vehicle documents at FRSC
  • Inspect property before paying any deposit
  • Trust your instincts — if in doubt, walk away

Never Do This

  • Pay upfront before seeing the item
  • Trust payment screenshots or forwarded alerts
  • Share your BVN, NIN, or bank details
  • Send a refund for an 'overpayment'
  • Meet at a private home for a first transaction
  • Ship items to buyers you have never met
  • Use third-party escrow services
  • Pay a rental deposit without inspecting first
  • Ignore red flags — pressure, urgency, or too-good prices
Scam Awareness

Common Scams in Nigeria

Knowing how these scams work is your best defence. Click each one to learn more.

Meeting Locations

Recommended Meeting Places

Choose safe, public locations for every transaction. These venues are widely available across Nigeria's major cities.

Bank Branches

Bank lobbies are ideal — the buyer can withdraw cash on the spot, and CCTV cameras provide security for both parties.

GTBankAccess BankFirst BankZenith BankUBA

Police Stations

Many police stations in Nigeria now welcome citizens to use their premises for safe transactions. The presence of officers deters fraudsters.

Area Command HQDivisional Police StationPolice Post

Busy Markets & Malls

Major markets and shopping malls with security personnel are good neutral ground, especially during daytime hours.

Computer Village (Lagos)Wuse Market (Abuja)Ariaria Market (Aba)Shoprite / Palms Mall

Government Offices

For vehicle or property transactions, completing the deal at a relevant government office (FRSC, Land Registry) adds an extra layer of legitimacy.

FRSC Office (vehicles)Land Registry (property)CAC Office (business assets)
Emergency Contacts

Who to Call if Something Goes Wrong

If you have been scammed or feel unsafe, contact these organisations immediately. Do not be embarrassed — report it so others are protected too.

Nigeria Police Force

199

National emergency line for crime reports and urgent assistance

EFCC (Economic & Financial Crimes Commission)

0800-225-5322

Report internet fraud, advance fee scams, and financial crimes

FCCPC (Consumer Protection)

0700-222-2272

Report consumer fraud, fake products, and marketplace disputes

Kinitask Safety Team

[email protected]

Report suspicious listings, scammers, or safety concerns on our platform

Spotted a Suspicious Listing?

Help keep Kinitask safe for everyone. Use the Report button on any listing to flag suspicious activity. Our moderation team reviews every report within 24 hours.