Sana List Safety Tips – Buy & Sell Safely Across Kenya
Your safety is our top priority. Sana List is committed to providing a secure and trustworthy marketplace for all users across Kenya. Below are essential safety guidelines to protect yourself when buying, selling, or meeting other users.
1. General Online Safety Guidelines
- Trust your instincts. If something feels suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is.
- Always verify information such as product details, pricing, and identity of the other party.
- Use official contact channels only—avoid sharing unnecessary personal details.
- Avoid unrealistic offers or deals that promise huge discounts or quick riches.
- Do not send photos, documents, or ID copies unless absolutely necessary.
2. Safety Tips for Buyers
- Inspect items before paying. Always meet the seller and confirm the product works.
- Test electronics, cars, machines, and devices physically before completing a transaction.
- For vehicles, check logbooks, chassis numbers, service history, NTSA records, and ownership.
- For property, verify title deeds, land search, and agent legitimacy before paying any deposit.
- Never pay before receiving the item unless dealing with a verified, trusted vendor.
- Beware of sellers who refuse physical meetings or insist on shipping only.
- Use safe public meeting points, not isolated areas.
3. Safety Tips for Sellers
- Meet buyers in public places such as shopping malls, petrol stations, or police stations.
- Do not hand over items until full payment is confirmed.
- Beware of fake bank messages, fake M-Pesa messages, or overpayment scams.
- Avoid sharing your home location unless necessary.
- Confirm transactions in real time via your bank or M-Pesa app.
- Do not allow buyers to test-drive your car alone—be inside the vehicle.
- For high-value items, bring a friend or colleague along.
4. Payment Safety
- Cash payments should be completed in secure public places.
- M-Pesa: Confirm via the official app or *234#, not just SMS.
- Avoid sending money blindly for:
- reservation fees
- transport fees
- viewing fees
- Bank transfers: Verify the receiver’s identity before sending.
- Avoid escrow services you cannot verify.
5. Meeting Safety Tips
- Meet in well-lit, public, and populated places.
- For big trades (cars, machinery, bulk items), meet at:
- petrol stations
- shopping malls
- police stations
- public parking areas
- Bring a friend when meeting a stranger.
- Share your meeting plan with someone you trust.
- For home service providers (plumbers, electricians, etc.), always request proper identification.
6. Avoiding Common Scams in Kenya
- Fake payment notifications: Always confirm through your banking app or M-Pesa app.
- Advance payment requests: Scammers ask for money before meeting — avoid at all costs.
- Fake agents or brokers: Always ask for ID and verify company details.
- Stolen property: Deals that are too cheap could involve stolen goods. Verify documents and serial numbers.
- Fake car import scams: Use NTSA TIMS to verify car details.
- Fake property land cases: Never pay before doing a land search.
7. Protecting Your Personal Information
- Do not share identity documents unless necessary.
- Do not reveal:
- bank details
- PINs
- M-Pesa passwords
- home address
- Avoid clicking suspicious links shared by unknown users.
8. Reporting Suspicious Activity
Help us keep the Sana List community safe. If you encounter suspicious users, ads, or behavior:
- Use the “Report Ad” button on the listing.
- Contact our support team: info@sanalist.co.ke
- Provide screenshots, phone numbers, or any relevant details.
9. Our Commitment to Safety
Sana List continually improves its security systems, including:
- manual ad review
- fraud monitoring tools
- spam detection technology
- community reporting features
- safety awareness campaigns
Your trust is our priority. With your vigilance and our security enhancements, we ensure a safer buying and selling experience for everyone in Kenya.
Stay safe. Trade smart. Choose Sana List — Kenya’s trusted online marketplace.