Safety Tips for Safe Trading in Ghana
Protect your money, your personal safety, and ensure great outcomes when buying, selling, or hiring tradespeople.
The Golden Rule of Classifieds
Never send mobile money deposits or advance payments before seeing the item in person or verifying the artisan at the job site.
Tips for Buyers & Homeowners
Meet in Public Places
When purchasing electronics, phones, or clothing, meet at well-lit, populated spots like shopping malls, fuel stations, or major road junctions during daylight hours.
Inspect Before You Pay
Test electronic gadgets thoroughly. Check IMEIs on smartphones, test chargers, and inspect vehicles with a mechanic before handing over cash or sending MoMo.
Beware of Unrealistic Prices
If an iPhone 15 or land in East Legon is listed at 70% below normal market price, treat it with extreme caution. It is likely a scam.
Tips for Hiring Plumbers, Electricians & Trades
Clarify Scope & Rates First
Before any work begins, agree on whether pricing is per day, fixed per task, or based on materials required.
Materials Procurement
When buying expensive materials (like wiring cables, plumbing fixtures, or paints), accompany the artisan to the hardware store or pay the shop directly.
Payment Milestones
For larger handwork jobs (tiling, carpentry, masonry), structure payments in stages: deposit for commencement, progress payments, and final balance after completion and testing.
Tips for Sellers & Artisans
Verify Mobile Money Notifications
Beware of fake SMS alerts. Always check your actual MoMo wallet balance (*170# or banking app) to confirm funds have arrived before handing over goods.
Report Suspicious Activity
If someone asks you to deliver items to an isolated, dangerous location or uses abusive language, refuse the transaction and flag their profile immediately.
Encountered a suspicious listing?
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