At iSuccess Link, we want every transaction to be a success. While we provide the platform, the safety of the deal depends on you. Follow these essential tips to stay protected.
🚩 Red Flags to Watch Out For
- “Commitment Fees” or “Viewing Fees”: Never pay money before seeing an item. Scammers often ask for “fuel money” or a “deposit” to hold an item. Once you pay, they disappear.
– Too Good to Be True: If a high-end smartphone or a car is priced significantly lower than the market rate, it is likely a scam or stolen property.
– Pressure to Hurry: Scammers often claim they have “another buyer waiting” to force you into making a quick, unverified payment.
- Switching Platforms: Be cautious if a seller insists on moving the conversation away from iSuccess Link to an encrypted app immediately to avoid platform monitoring.
🛡️ Tips for Buyers
- Meet in Public: Always meet the seller in a well-lit, busy public place, such as a mall, a coffee shop, or near a police station. Never go to a stranger’s house alone.
- Inspect Before You Pay: Check the item thoroughly. If it’s electronics, turn it on and test the features. For vehicles, verify the logbook via the NTSA TIMS/LRC portal.
- Payment on Delivery: Only send money (via M-Pesa or cash) once you have the item in your hands and are satisfied with its condition.
– Verify the Seller: Look at the seller’s profile age and any ratings/reviews they have received from previous buyers.
🛡️ Tips for Sellers
- Verify Payment: If a buyer pays via M-Pesa, wait for the official Safaricom confirmation message on your own phone. Do not trust a screenshot shown to you by the buyer.
- Avoid “Overpayment” Scams: Beware of buyers who “accidentally” send too much money and ask you to refund the difference. This is often a trick involving reversed transactions.
- Don’t Share Personal IDs: Never share photos of your ID, PINs, or bank details with a potential buyer.
⚖️ If Something Goes Wrong
– Report the User: Use the “Report” button on iSuccess Link immediately so our team can investigate and block the account.
- Contact Authorities: If you are a victim of fraud, report the incident to the nearest police station or the DCI Kenya (Directorate of Criminal Investigations).
Pro-Tip: For high-value items like land or vehicles, always involve a legal professional and conduct official searches at the relevant government registries (e.g., Ardhi House) before any money changes hands.
Always Be Safe!