Safety Tips
SellZam connects buyers and sellers across Zambia. Follow these tips to keep every transaction safe and secure.
Meet in a safe public place
Always arrange to meet buyers or sellers in a busy, well-lit public location — such as a shopping mall, market, or police station. Avoid meeting at your home or in isolated areas, especially for high-value items.
Inspect the item before paying
Carefully examine the item in person before handing over any money. Test electronics, check for damage, and verify that what you see matches the photos and description in the ad.
Never pay before you receive the item
Avoid sending money in advance, especially to someone you haven't met. Scammers often ask for deposits or full payment before delivery and then disappear. Pay only when you have the item in hand.
Watch out for deals that seem too good
If a price is unrealistically low for the item being sold, treat it as a red flag. Fraudsters use attractive prices to lure buyers. Compare prices with similar listings before committing.
Keep personal information private
Do not share your ID number, banking details, passwords, or home address with strangers. Use SellZam's built-in messaging to communicate — avoid moving conversations to WhatsApp or email before you trust the person.
Verify the seller's identity
Check the seller's profile: how long they've been on SellZam, how many listings they have, and whether their contact details look legitimate. Be cautious of newly created accounts with very few details.
Use secure payment methods
Prefer paying in cash during an in-person exchange. If you must transfer money, use a traceable method such as mobile money or bank transfer — never send via informal methods that offer no recourse.
Ask for additional photos or a video call
If you can't inspect an item in person first, ask the seller to send extra photos from different angles or do a short video call to verify the item exists and is as described.
Bring someone with you
When meeting a stranger for a transaction, bring a friend or family member along. Let someone else know where you're going and who you're meeting, even if you feel comfortable.
Report suspicious listings or users
If something feels wrong, use the Report button on any listing. Our team reviews all reports and acts quickly. You can also contact us directly if you've been scammed or feel unsafe.
🚨 Think you've been scammed?
Report the listing immediately using the Report button on the ad, then contact us with as many details as possible. We take fraud seriously and will act as fast as we can.