How to Avoid Being Scammed on Jiji (5) Five Proven Ways 

Jiji is one of the biggest online classified marketplaces as of today, operating across 13 countries in Africa, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Uganda. With millions of users and listings ranging from electronics and fashion to real estate and vehicles, Jiji is a go-to platform for millions of buyers and sellers.

However, its popularity and open-access model also attract scammers. These fraudsters often create fake listings using photos of products they don’t own, with the sole intention of deceiving unsuspecting buyers. They may lure users with ridiculously low prices or convincing stories—just to disappear with your money.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through five proven ways to avoid scammers on Jiji. Whether you’re looking for a phone, laptop, rental apartment, or a new car, these tips will protect you from being tricked by fraudsters on the platform.

1. Read the Product Description

The first thing you should always do is read the product description in full. Too many buyers fall into the trap of judging a listing only by its photos or price. But scammers often pull photos from legitimate sources and pair them with vague, misleading, or inconsistent product descriptions.

Red flags to look for include:

• Very brief or generic descriptions with little to no technical details.
  
• Mismatched information (e.g., saying “brand new” but showing a used product).
  
• Spelling and grammar errors, which can indicate hastily created listings.
  
• Lack of important details like condition, age, location, or warranty.
  

If anything looks off, ask questions. A real seller will be transparent and informative, while a scammer might dodge your questions or give unclear answers. Never rely on photos alone—read every line and verify the facts.

2. Read Customer Feedback and Seller Reviews

One of Jiji’s built-in protections is the seller rating and feedback system. When users complete transactions, they can leave reviews that give future buyers insight into that seller’s trustworthiness.

Before making contact or agreeing to meet, always check:

• The seller’s star rating and how long they’ve been active on Jiji.
  
• Detailed reviews—are they consistent? Do buyers mention smooth transactions?
  
• Repeated complaints about fake items, no-shows, or money lost.
  
• Whether the seller responds respectfully to negative feedback.
  

Scammers tend to operate with newly created profiles and little to no genuine feedback. In some cases, they’ll even plant fake positive reviews to appear trustworthy. Be cautious if the reviews seem overly generic or if every comment says something vague like “Good seller” with no additional detail.

3. Avoid Sending full or half Prepayments

This is one of the most common and costly scams on Jiji. The seller asks for a prepayment or deposit before delivery—claiming it’s to “hold the item,” cover delivery, or ensure commitment. Once you transfer money, they vanish.

Typical scam messages may include:

• “You need to send 5,000 Naira for shipping.”
  
• “I have other buyers; pay now to reserve it.”
  
• “Transfer a commitment fee before I show the item.”
  

Never send money before receiving the item in person. Jiji itself warns against this practice. Legitimate sellers will meet in person and exchange the item for payment at the same time. If delivery is necessary, opt for verified delivery services that allow payment on delivery options where available.

Scammers prey on urgency and trust. Don’t fall for emotional pleas or time-sensitive deals that pressure you to act without thinking.

4. Never Give Out Your Financial Information

Scammers don’t just want your money—they want your data. Many buyers have lost money by unknowingly handing over their financial details, which were later used for fraud.

Never share:

• Your debit or credit card numbers.
  
• Bank account details.
  
• Online banking login information.
  
• OTPs (One-Time Passwords).
  
• BVN (Bank Verification Number).
  
• Personal identity documents like your National ID, passport, or driver’s license unless it’s legally required in a verified process.
  

Fraudsters may pose as delivery agents, Jiji staff, or third-party payment processors to get this information. Some may even send fake links to what look like secure payment pages or government portals. Always verify the source. Never click on suspicious links, and do not fill out any sensitive forms outside of Jiji’s official platform.

5. Inspect the Items Before Making Any Payment

One of the most effective ways to avoid being scammed is to inspect the product in person before handing over money. Whether you’re buying a used iPhone or renting a new apartment, face-to-face transactions are far safer.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Arrange to meet the seller in a public place, like a cafe, office lobby, or police-approved safe zone.
  
• Bring a friend, especially for expensive items.
  
• Check the item carefully—turn it on, test all functions, and match it against the description and photos.
  
• For vehicles, confirm registration documents and vehicle identification numbers (VINs).
  
• For real estate, never pay rent or deposits without physically visiting the property and verifying ownership through proper documentation.
  

Scammers often claim they are not available for a meetup because they’re out of town, overseas, or working remotely. They might promise to send the item “once payment is received.” This is a common scam pattern—don’t engage.

Always insist on inspection before payment.

Bonus Tip: Trust Your Instincts and Use Common Sense

Beyond all technical checks and procedures, your intuition is a powerful tool. If something feels suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is.

Some signs to watch out for:

• Unrealistically low prices.
  
• Sellers who avoid giving straight answers.
  
• Urgency to close the deal quickly.
  
• High-pressure tactics like “last item,” “many interested buyers,” etc.
  
• Excuses like “I’m traveling now,” “My brother will deliver,” or “Let’s finish the deal on WhatsApp.”
  

Always remember, a genuine seller will give you time and space to make the right decision. If you feel rushed, uncertain, or uncomfortable, walk away.

And if you are investor or property developer looking for the perfect place to sale your property we abujarealestate got you cover, you can list property here or contact the team to contact you will the right buyer. info@abujarealestate.ng