Phishing and scams

Running a business on Tradeit should be safe and rewarding. But like any online marketplace, scammers and fraudsters may attempt to trick unsuspecting vendors into revealing sensitive information or sending goods without payment. This guide helps you identify, avoid, and report phishing and scams — so you can sell safely in the Zimbabwean market.

🚨 What Is Phishing?

Phishing is when a fraudster pretends to be someone they’re not — such as a Tradeit official, buyer, or delivery agent — in order to steal your private information or money.

These scams often appear as:

• Fake emails or messages that look like they’re from Tradeit
• Suspicious links asking you to “verify your account”
• Messages claiming there’s a problem with your shop or payout
• Buyers offering to pay more than the listed price, then asking for refunds

⚠️ Common Types of Scams in Zimbabwe

1. Fake Payment Confirmations

A scammer sends you a fake EcoCash or ZIPIT screenshot pretending they’ve paid — but you never receive the money.

2. Phishing Emails or SMS

You get an email or SMS saying:
“Your Tradeit account is under review. Click here to verify your password.”

These links lead to fake sites that steal your login info.

3. Buyer Overpayment Scam

A buyer says: “I mistakenly sent you $500 instead of $50 — please refund the balance.” You check your EcoCash but no money actually came in.

4. Fake Courier Services

Someone pretends to be from a delivery company and asks you to release goods before payment or to pay a “release fee.”

🧠 How to Recognize a Scam

✅ What You Should Do

✔️ Always:

• Double-check any payment in your EcoCash or bank account
• Use only Tradeit’s chat inbox to talk to buyers — never move to WhatsApp or Telegram unless necessary
• Look at email addresses carefully — real emails come from @tradeit.zw
• Report any suspicious users, listings, or messages

❌ Never:

• Share your login credentials, password, or PIN with anyone
• Click on unknown links from SMS or emails
• Pay for delivery or “verification fees” to unknown numbers
• Send goods before confirming real payment (not just a screenshot)

🧰 Examples: Phishing in Action

✉️ Example 1: Fake Email

From: [email protected]
“Your store is about to be suspended. Click here to confirm your password and avoid deactivation.”

🚫 DON’T click! Tradeit never uses third-party domains like “-verify.shop”. Report this to support immediately.

📱 Example 2: Payment Screenshot Scam

A buyer says:

“I just paid via EcoCash. Here’s the proof.”

But your EcoCash balance hasn’t changed. When you ask, they say:

“Maybe it’s delayed. Please send the product, I need it urgently.”

⚠️ This is a scam. Do not send anything until your own balance shows the payment.

📝 How to Report a Scam

Method 1: Directly from Tradeit

1. Go to the buyer’s profile or chat
2. Click the ⋮ menu
3. Select “Report this User”
4. Choose “Scam/Fraud” and include a screenshot or description

Method 2: Email

Send your report to:

📩 Email: [email protected]
Subject: Scam Report – [Buyer/Listing Name]

Include:

• Username or link to the buyer or listing
• What happened
• Any screenshots

🔐 Protect Your Account

• Use strong passwords (with letters + numbers + symbols)
• Don’t use the same password on other platforms
• Log out from public devices
• Enable 2-factor authentication if available

👮 What Tradeit Does with Reports

Once you report a scam or phishing attempt:

• Tradeit investigates the account
• Fraudulent listings or users are suspended or banned
• You may be contacted for more information
• Your identity stays confidential

✅ Recap: Stay Scam Smart

📞 Need Help or Not Sure?

📲 WhatsApp: Tradeit Safety Line (see dashboard for official number)

💬 Live chat in your vendor dashboard

📩 Email: [email protected]