Avoiding common buyer scams

Avoiding Buyer Common Scams on Tradeit

As a new seller on Tradeit, it is important to understand that while most buyers are genuine, some may attempt scams that could harm your business. This guide outlines common buyer scams, how to identify red flags, and the best practices to protect yourself on the Tradeit marketplace.

⚠️ Common Buyer Scams and How to Avoid Them

1. Fake Proof of Payment Scam

Scenario: A buyer sends a screenshot or WhatsApp message claiming they’ve made a payment via bank transfer, ZIPIT, or EcoCash but the money never arrives in your account.

Red Flags:

• The payment screenshot looks cropped or blurry.
• The buyer insists on urgent delivery before payment reflects.
• The phone number on the payment screenshot doesn’t match their registered Tradeit profile.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Only dispatch orders after confirming funds in your bank, mobile wallet, or dashboard (for Tradeit card payments).
• Use the Tradeit Order Dashboard to verify payment status. Orders paid online will display “Payment Completed” under the Orders tab.

💡 Pro Tip: For bank transfers or EcoCash payments, request a transaction reference number and confirm via your official banking app or merchant wallet.

2. Return-for-Refund Scam

Scenario: The buyer receives the item, claims it is damaged or incorrect, and demands a refund but either never returns the item or returns a different (used or broken) item.

Red Flags:

• Buyer insists on refund before return.
• Returned package differs in weight or packaging from your original.
• Buyer refuses to provide photos of the issue.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Always request photos or videos of the claimed issue.
• Use tracking when delivering valuable items. This helps when resolving disputes.
• Require returns to be sent via a traceable method (e.g., Swift Courier, FedEx).

3. Overpayment Scam

Scenario: A buyer “accidentally” overpays and asks you to refund the extra amount. Later, the original payment turns out to be fake.

Red Flags:

• Buyer claims to have sent more than required.
• They demand an immediate refund via mobile money.
• Original payment never appears.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Never refund until the overpayment is fully confirmed in your account.
• Explain that Tradeit policies require payment verification before processing any refunds.

4. Outside-the-Platform Scam

Scenario: A buyer messages you via WhatsApp or email, asking for a cheaper deal or cash-on-delivery outside the Tradeit platform.

Red Flags:

• Buyer refuses to pay via Tradeit checkout.
• They offer to “do a deal outside” to avoid delivery fees or service charges.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Politely decline. Inform them that for security and recordkeeping, all orders must be processed via Tradeit.
• Avoid sharing personal bank details or addresses with unverified buyers.

🔒 Reminder: Transactions made outside of Tradeit are not protected, and you may lose money with no way to appeal or report fraud.

5. Fake Identity Scam

Scenario: Buyer uses a fake name, phone number, or delivery address and disappears after placing a Cash-on-Delivery (COD) order, wasting your time and delivery costs.

Red Flags:

• Suspicious usernames (e.g. “JohnTest”, “123Buyer”).
• Repeated failed delivery attempts at the same location.
• No response when contacted before delivery.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Use Tradeit’s “Customer Verification” tools under your Vendor Dashboard → Orders → Click buyer name → Review profile, past orders, and ratings.
• Consider calling the buyer before shipping COD orders to confirm intent.

✅ Best Practices for Safe Selling on Tradeit

1. Always Use Tradeit Chat or Order Notes for Communication
   Keep communication on the platform for records and security.
2. Use the Tradeit Advertising Module for Visibility
   Attract genuine buyers by promoting your products through the Advertising tab in your Vendor Dashboard.
3. Use Trackable Shipping Options
   Especially for items above USD 20, always opt for a courier that provides proof of delivery.
4. Enable Notifications
   Stay updated by enabling email and SMS notifications for order updates and messages. Go to Dashboard → Settings → Notifications.
5. Report Suspicious Activity Immediately
   If a buyer seems fraudulent, click “Report” under the Order View or contact support via the Help Center.

📦 Example from a Local Vendor

Simba from Chitungwiza sells fashion accessories on Tradeit. He once received a ZWL payment screenshot via WhatsApp that looked real, but no funds appeared in his EcoCash merchant account. He refused to deliver until funds cleared — the buyer vanished. Now, Simba waits for actual confirmation and only dispatches when notified via Tradeit that payment is successful.

🛡️ Final Word

Running a business on Tradeit is rewarding, but you must stay vigilant. Always trust your instincts, verify everything, and keep communication within the Tradeit system. By following these tips, you’ll build a trustworthy shop and avoid common scams.