Safety Tips
Your safety is our priority. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself when buying or selling.
🛡️ General Safety Guidelines
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels wrong or too good to be true, it probably is. Don't proceed with transactions that make you uncomfortable. There are plenty of legitimate buyers and sellers out there.
Meet in Public Places
Always meet in well-lit, busy public locations like shopping centers, coffee shops, or bank parking lots. Many police stations offer designated safe exchange zones.
Bring a Friend
Never go alone, especially for high-value transactions. Having someone with you increases safety and provides a witness.
Share Your Plans
Tell a friend or family member where you're going, who you're meeting, and when you expect to return. Share your location via your phone if possible.
Meet During Daylight
Schedule meetings during daytime hours when there are more people around and better visibility.
🛒 Safety Tips for Buyers
Inspect Before You Pay
- Thoroughly examine the item in person before paying
- Test electronics, vehicles, or equipment to ensure they work
- Check for damage, wear, or missing parts
- Verify authenticity of branded items
- Take your time - don't feel rushed
Payment Safety
- Use cash for local in-person transactions when possible
- Use trusted mobile payment apps (Waafi, EVC Plus, etc.)
- Never wire money to strangers
- Avoid prepaying for items you haven't seen
- Be suspicious of prices that are too good to be true
- Get a receipt or proof of purchase for expensive items
Vehicle Purchases
- Request vehicle history and service records
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle
- Verify ownership documents and registration
- Check VIN matches on vehicle and documents
- Test drive in various conditions
- Ensure proper title transfer at authorized offices
Real Estate Rentals
- Visit the property in person before paying
- Verify the person showing the property is authorized
- Request proof of ownership or authorization
- Read the entire lease agreement carefully
- Don't pay large deposits without proper documentation
- Be wary of landlords who pressure quick decisions
💼 Safety Tips for Sellers
Protect Your Personal Information
- Use iibfuran's messaging system initially
- Don't share your home address publicly
- Use a separate phone number if possible
- Remove metadata from photos (location data)
- Never share bank account details or personal ID numbers
Payment Safety for Sellers
- Accept cash or verified mobile payments only
- Verify mobile payments have cleared before handing over items
- Be wary of overpayment scams ("I'll send extra, you refund difference")
- Never accept checks from strangers
- Count cash carefully in a safe location
- For high-value items, consider meeting at a bank
Meeting Buyers
- Screen potential buyers through messages first
- Don't let strangers into your home
- If showing a property, meet outside first
- Keep valuables secured during showings
- Take photos/videos of the transaction for records
🚩 Common Scam Red Flags
Watch Out For:
- ⚠️Requests for prepayment: Especially through wire transfers or gift cards
- ⚠️Too good to be true prices: Luxury items at extremely low prices
- ⚠️Urgency pressure: "Must sell today!" or "First come, first served!"
- ⚠️Refusing to meet in person: Always wants to ship or deliver
- ⚠️Poor communication: Vague responses, bad grammar, or generic messages
- ⚠️Overpayment scams: Sending more money and asking for a refund
- ⚠️Fake payment confirmations: Screenshots that can be easily faked
- ⚠️Request to move off platform: Asking to communicate via WhatsApp immediately
- ⚠️Sob stories: Emotional manipulation to rush decisions
🔒 Online Account Safety
🔐 Strong Passwords
- • Use 12+ characters
- • Mix letters, numbers, symbols
- • Don't reuse passwords
- • Change regularly
📧 Email Security
- • Verify sender addresses
- • Don't click suspicious links
- • Watch for phishing attempts
- • Use verified email only
📱 Device Security
- • Lock your device
- • Update software regularly
- • Use secure networks
- • Install antivirus software
👤 Privacy Settings
- • Limit public information
- • Review privacy settings
- • Be careful what you share
- • Use blocking features
Report Suspicious Activity
If you encounter suspicious ads, scams, or unsafe behavior, please report it immediately. Your reports help keep our community safe.
🚨 Emergency Contacts
If you feel unsafe or are a victim of a crime, contact local authorities immediately:
Emergency Services: 17 (Djibouti Police), 18 (Fire), 19 (Medical)
iibfuran Support: [email protected]
Stay Safe, Stay Smart!
Following these safety tips will help protect you from scams and fraud. Remember, if something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and walk away. There are always more opportunities!