Classifieds site OLX Kenya has cautioned its users to be cautious when purchasing goods via their platform due to rising cases of fraud.
The company asked buyers to be aware of fraudsters who are posting genuine items, but later produce faulty ones or rip-off interested buyers.
Peter Ndiangúi, OLX country manager, said the company assures users that all advertisements posted on the site are intensely verified by an internal audit team before being posted online, but cautioned fraudulent activity had been reported.
“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,” Ndiangúi said.
“Our internal team has already managed to capture some fake advertisements during the verification process and this adverts have not been posted.”
The online company also urged its users to only provide information relevant to the transaction and not to give out their personal information such as bank details.
“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.
Ndiangúi warned that meeting a seller or a buyer in an isolated place is not a good idea and recommended meetings to be held in a public place like a shopping mall or a coffee shop and preferably third party company as opposed to making the transaction alone.
He said that it is important to view the product and to authenticate it before handing the cash.
“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,” Ndiangúi added.
“If they’re not totally comfortable with the item, you should not purchase it.”
In the case of someone encountering a person who is requesting their financial information, OLX Kenya urges them to cancel the transaction immediately or contact OLX.
