Immani Blog

From Immani — Kenya's dispute resolution infrastructure.

I bought something from another country and got scammed — what are my options?

October 24, 2026
Key Takeaway

Got scammed buying from another country? Know your options.

I bought something from another country and got scammed — what are my options? — Immani Legal AI lets you understand your rights as a consumer under Kenyan law, free, on your phone, in English or Kiswahili. Buying from another country can be a convenient way to access goods not available locally, but it also comes with risks. Scams can happen to anyone, and when they do, it can be difficult to know where to turn. The usual advice is to get a lawyer or go to court, but for many everyday disputes, there's a faster option.

What Happens When You Get Scammed Buying from Another Country When you buy something from another country and get scammed

you may feel helpless. The scammer may be in a different country, making it difficult to track them down or get your money back. You may have tried contacting the seller, but they may not respond or may refuse to refund your money.

How Immani Can Help Immani

is a Kenyan digital platform that lets you file a dispute against the scammer's phone number. This can be a faster and more efficient way to resolve the issue than going to court. With Immani, you can:

  1. File a dispute against the scammer's phone number for KSh 100.
  2. The scammer will be notified and given a chance to respond.
  3. If the scammer responds, you can engage in a private conversation to try to resolve the issue.
  4. If the scammer does not respond, the dispute will become visible to anyone who looks up their phone number on Immani.
  5. You can close the dispute once you have reached an understanding with the scammer.

What Happens Next If you decide to use Immani to file a dispute, here's what happens next:

  1. You file the dispute and pay the KSh 100 fee.
  2. The scammer is notified and given a chance to respond.
  3. You engage in a private conversation with the scammer to try to resolve the issue.
  4. If you reach an understanding, you can close the dispute and pay the KSh 3,000 closing fee. A one-line trustworthiness disclaimer: "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."

Ready to file a dispute?

File directly against the other person's phone number. No login required. KSh 100 to file.

Immani is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. For complex cases or cases involving significant amounts, consider consulting a qualified advocate.

See how it works   File a dispute now

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a scam and a genuine business dispute?

A scam is a deliberate attempt to deceive or cheat someone, while a genuine business dispute is a disagreement between two parties that can be resolved through negotiation or mediation.

Can I use Immani if the scammer is in another country?

Yes, you can use Immani to file a dispute against the scammer's phone number, regardless of their location.

How long does it take to resolve a dispute on Immani?

The time it takes to resolve a dispute on Immani varies depending on the complexity of the issue and the responsiveness of the parties involved.

Can I use Immani if I don't have a contract with the scammer?

Yes, you can use Immani to file a dispute against the scammer's phone number even if you don't have a contract.

What if the scammer doesn't respond to the dispute?

If the scammer doesn't respond to the dispute, it will become visible to anyone who looks up their phone number on Immani, which can help to prompt a response.

Can I get free legal information about my situation?

Yes. Immani Legal AI gives you answers based on Kenyan law — the Constitution, statutes, and case law. You can also draft legal documents, compare your case with precedents, and look up legal terms in plain language. It is free to use. Try Immani Legal AI →

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