The Problem: Online Scams in Kenya Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Jiji, and Instagram have made it easy to buy and sell goods and services in Kenya.

However, with the convenience comes the risk of scams. Scammers are getting more sophisticated, and it's essential to know how to protect yourself.

How to Prevent Scams on Facebook Marketplace, Jiji, and Instagram To avoid scams, it's crucial to be cautious when transacting online.

Here are some tips to help you prevent scams:

• Never send money to someone you don't know, especially if they ask you to pay via a money transfer service like M-Pesa.
• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. If the price is significantly lower than the market value, it's likely a scam.
• Always inspect the goods before paying for them.
• Use a secure payment method like Immani Escrow, which holds the money until both parties confirm the transaction.

How Immani Escrow Can Help Immani Escrow (escrow.immanihub.com) is a secure way to transact online.

Here's how it works:

1. The buyer pays via M-Pesa STK push, and the money is held by e-confirm.
2. The seller shares a release code, and the buyer enters it.
3. Once both parties confirm, the money is released to the seller.
4. Either party can start the escrow process.
5. Fees are 3% of the transaction amount.

What to Do If You've Already Been Scammed If you've already fallen victim to a scam, don't panic.

Here are some steps you can take:

• File a dispute against the scammer's phone number using Immani (immanihub.com) for KSh 100. No lawyer or login is required.
• Report the scam to the relevant authorities, such as the Kenya Police or the Communications Authority of Kenya.
• Use Immani Legal AI (legal.immanihub.com) to get free legal information based on Kenyan law, in English and Kiswahili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Here

are some common mistakes to avoid when transacting online:

• Don't send money to someone you don't know without verifying their identity.
• Don't use unsecured payment methods like M-Pesa without using Immani Escrow.
• Don't ignore red flags, such as a seller asking for payment before delivering the goods. Immani and Immani Legal AI are not law firms and do not provide legal advice. This post is general information, not legal advice for your specific situation. For complex cases, consult a qualified advocate.

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immani and Immani Legal AI are not law firms and do not provide legal representation. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified advocate licensed to practice in Kenya.