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Safety tips

Most people on Sella are genuine, but scammers exist on every marketplace. These tips help you buy, sell and transact safely. Sella is a venue that connects buyers and sellers — we are not a party to your transaction, so please stay alert and trust your instincts.

1. Golden rules

  • If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is. Unrealistically low prices are the most common bait.
  • Never pay before you see and inspect the item. Avoid "deposits" to reserve goods you haven't viewed.
  • Keep the conversation on Sella's in-app chat so there is a record. Be cautious if someone rushes you off-platform.
  • Never share OTPs, M-Pesa PINs, card numbers, CVV or passwords with anyone — no genuine buyer, seller or "Sella agent" will ever ask for them.

2. Meeting in person

  • Meet in a public, busy place during daylight — a mall, bank, or police-post area.
  • Tell a friend or family member where you are going and bring someone along for higher-value deals.
  • For cars or large items, consider meeting at a reputable garage or inspection centre.
  • Do not invite strangers to your home or go alone to an isolated location.

3. Inspect before you pay

  • Test electronics (power on, screen, ports, IMEI for phones), check serial numbers, and confirm the item matches the photos and description.
  • For phones, dial *#06# to confirm the IMEI and check it isn't reported lost or stolen.
  • Ask for receipts, logbooks, warranties or proof of ownership where relevant; verify a vehicle logbook with NTSA.
  • Count and confirm everything before any money changes hands.

4. Paying safely

  • Prefer to pay on collection, once you are satisfied with the item.
  • Confirm M-Pesa Till/Paybill names match the seller or business before sending. Always read the confirmation SMS carefully.
  • Be very wary of requests to pay via a "third-party agent", "shipping company", or "customs officer".
  • Keep all payment confirmations and chat records until the deal is fully complete.

5. Common scams & red flags

  • A seller who refuses to meet, only communicates by text, and demands full payment upfront.
  • "I'm out of town — pay a courier and it will be delivered." Goods often never arrive.
  • Fake M-Pesa or bank "payment received" SMS sent to trick sellers into releasing goods. Always check your own M-Pesa balance, not a screenshot.
  • Overpayment scams ("I sent too much, please refund the difference").
  • Links asking you to "confirm payment" or "verify your account" — never enter your PIN or password on outside links.
  • Job or rental offers that ask for an "application", "viewing" or "processing" fee before anything is provided.

6. Selling safely

  • Confirm money has actually reached your M-Pesa or bank account before handing over the item — verify it yourself, not from a buyer's screenshot.
  • Be cautious with buyers who want to pay later, overpay, or use unusual payment routes.
  • Do not share your home address publicly; arrange a safe, public meeting point.

7. Renting property & jobs

  • Never pay rent, deposit or "viewing fees" before physically visiting a property and confirming the landlord/agent is genuine.
  • Legitimate employers do not ask job seekers to pay for interviews, training kits or "registration".

8. Events & tickets

  • Buy tickets through the official event listing. Keep your confirmation and reference number.
  • Refunds and entry are managed by the event organiser — review their terms before buying.

9. Protect your account

  • Use a strong, unique password and never reuse it on other sites.
  • Sella will never call, SMS or email you asking for your password, OTP or M-Pesa PIN.
  • Log out on shared devices and review your listings and messages regularly.

10. Report a problem

If something feels wrong, stop and report it. Email admin@sella.co.ke with the listing link, the user's details and any screenshots. For threats, fraud or crimes in progress, contact the Kenya Police or the DCI immediately.

Staying safe is a shared effort. Following these steps dramatically lowers your risk — but always use your own judgement before parting with money or goods.

Safety tips by category

Different products carry different risks. Pick your category below for tips tailored to what you're buying or selling.

Vehicles

  • Confirm ownership on NTSA TIMS before paying
  • Check the logbook, chassis (VIN) and engine numbers match
  • Test-drive and have your own mechanic inspect it
  • Be suspicious of prices far below market value
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Property

  • Always view the property in person before paying
  • Verify the title deed and the landlord/agent identity
  • Never pay rent or deposit before viewing and signing
  • Be wary of agents demanding viewing fees up front
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Short Stays & Airbnb

  • Confirm the host and exact location before any deposit
  • Use traceable payment and get a written booking confirmation
  • Read reviews and beware hosts pushing you off-platform
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Phones & Tablets

  • Dial *#06# and confirm the IMEI is clean and matches the box
  • Test calls, camera, charging and screen before paying
  • Ask for the original receipt or warranty
  • A "too cheap" flagship is often stolen or counterfeit
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Electronics

  • Power on and test every function before paying
  • Check serial numbers and any warranty
  • Be cautious of sealed-box "bargains" you cannot test
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Fashion

  • Inspect material, size and stitching before paying
  • For "branded" items, check for genuine tags and authenticity
  • Agree return terms before you buy
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Beauty & Personal Care

  • Check expiry dates and that packaging is sealed
  • Avoid counterfeit cosmetics — insist on genuine, sealed products
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Home, Furniture & Appliances

  • Inspect for damage and test appliances before paying
  • Agree delivery terms in writing
  • Confirm measurements fit your space
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Baby, Kids & Toys

  • Check for product recalls and safety standards
  • Inspect wear carefully — especially car seats and cots
  • Only buy sealed consumables (formula, food)
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Food & Agriculture

  • Check freshness, expiry and storage conditions
  • For livestock, verify health and vaccination records
  • Inspect produce or inputs before paying
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Pets & Animals

  • Meet the animal and check health/vaccination records
  • Avoid sellers who refuse a visit before payment
  • Be wary of "rare breed" deposit scams
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Jobs

  • Never pay a fee for a job, training or "registration"
  • Verify the employer and a real physical office
  • Don’t share ID or bank details with unverified recruiters
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Seeking Work - CVs

  • Never pay to be "placed" in a job
  • Verify recruiters and companies independently
  • Protect your personal documents
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Services

  • Agree the scope and price in writing first
  • Pay in stages against milestones — avoid full upfront payment
  • Check past work, reviews and references
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Construction & Tools

  • Get a written quote and timeline before work starts
  • Pay in stages tied to completed milestones
  • Verify materials and tools before paying
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Commercial Equipment & Tools

  • Inspect and test equipment under load
  • Verify serial numbers and ownership
  • Confirm service history where relevant
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Office & School Supplies

  • Confirm quantity, condition and authenticity
  • Inspect before paying for bulk orders
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Sports & Outdoors

  • Inspect gear for wear and safety
  • Test items before you pay
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Health & Wellness

  • Buy sealed, genuine products and check expiry dates
  • Be wary of unproven health claims
  • Verify practitioner credentials for any service
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item

Travel & Tourism

  • Confirm bookings directly and get written confirmation
  • Avoid deposits to unverified agents
  • Beware of "too cheap" package deals
  • Meet in a safe, public place
  • Never pay in advance or send a deposit to hold an item
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