Safety Tips
Your safety is our top priority. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself when buying and selling on Sokify.
Meet in a Safe, Public Place
- Always meet buyers or sellers in a well-lit, busy public location such as a shopping mall, bank lobby, or police station.
- Avoid meeting at your home, the seller's home, or any isolated location.
- If possible, bring a friend or family member with you.
- Conduct transactions during daylight hours.
Inspect Items Before Paying
- Always inspect the item thoroughly before handing over any money.
- Test electronic items (phones, laptops, TVs) to confirm they work correctly.
- For vehicles, insist on a test drive and verify the logbook details.
- Check that serial numbers on devices are not blacklisted or stolen.
- Do not pay any deposit or upfront fee before seeing the item.
Safe Payment Practices
- Avoid sending money via M-Pesa, bank transfer, or any method before receiving the item.
- Never share your M-Pesa PIN, bank card details, or OTP codes with anyone.
- Be suspicious of sellers who refuse to meet in person and insist on payment first.
- Avoid deals that require you to pay via unusual methods like gift cards or crypto.
- Get a receipt or proof of transaction for every payment made.
Recognise and Avoid Scams
- Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true — they usually are.
- Ignore requests to continue communication outside the Sokify platform.
- Be cautious of sellers who claim to be overseas and want to ship the item to you.
- Watch out for counterfeit goods — verify authenticity, especially for electronics and designer items.
- Do not click on suspicious links sent by other users.
Protect Your Personal Information
- Do not share your full national ID number, bank account number, or financial details with strangers.
- Use the Sokify messaging system instead of sharing your personal phone number upfront.
- Be cautious about the amount of personal information you include in your ad listings.
- Use a strong, unique password for your Sokify account and do not share it.
Buying Vehicles Safely
- Verify the vehicle's registration and logbook with the NTSA (National Transport and Safety Authority).
- Check for any outstanding loans or charges on the vehicle.
- Have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchase.
- Ensure the seller's name matches the name on the logbook.
- Conduct the final transfer at the NTSA office for a legally binding handover.
Red Flags — Walk Away If You See These
Seller refuses to meet in person
Price is significantly below market value
Seller asks for payment before showing the item
Requests payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency
Claims to be outside Kenya but wants to 'ship' items
Asks for your M-Pesa PIN or OTP codes
Pushes you to decide very quickly
Ad photos look stolen from the internet
Seller avoids answering specific questions about the item
Seller offers to send a 'verification code' to your phone
Something Doesn't Feel Right?
If you encounter a suspicious ad, a scammer, or feel unsafe, report it to us immediately. We take every report seriously.
support@sokify.co.ke