Safety Tips for Sellers on Kijiji
Selling locally can be a convenient and effective way to connect with buyers. While most transactions on Kijiji are completed successfully, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself, your personal information, and your items.
Follow these seller safety tips to help ensure a safe and successful transaction.
Sell Directly Through Kijiji
Kijiji is designed to connect buyers and sellers directly.
Be cautious of individuals who:
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Ask to repost your ad on another website
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Offer to sell your item on your behalf
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Request fees for consignment or marketing services
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Claim they can guarantee a sale for a payment
Kijiji cannot verify the legitimacy of these third-party services, and some may be fraudulent.
If an offer seems unusual or unnecessary, proceed carefully.
Watch for Common Scam Warning Signs
Be cautious if a buyer:
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Offers to pay more than your asking price
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Refuses to meet in person without a reasonable explanation
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Requests that you ship an item before payment is confirmed
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Sends screenshots instead of verifiable payment confirmation
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Pressures you to act quickly
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Asks for unnecessary personal or financial information
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and consider ending the conversation.
Meet Buyers Safely
Whenever possible, arrange transactions in person.
Choose a Public Location
Meet in a busy, well-lit public area such as:
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A café
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A shopping centre
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A community centre
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A designated safe exchange location
Avoid meeting in isolated locations whenever possible.
Consider Bringing Someone With You
For high-value items, consider bringing a friend or family member to the meeting.
Verify Payment Before Releasing the Item
Never hand over an item until you have confirmed that payment has been received.
Cash Payments
If accepting cash:
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Count the money carefully
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Inspect bills before completing the transaction
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Verify the amount matches the agreed purchase price
Electronic Payments
If accepting electronic payments:
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Confirm the funds have been deposited into your account
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Verify payment directly through your bank or payment provider
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Wait for confirmation before releasing the item
Do not rely solely on:
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Screenshots
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Emails claiming payment was sent
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Messages stating that funds are pending
Fraudsters can create convincing fake payment confirmations.
Protect Your Personal Information
Only share information necessary to complete the transaction.
Avoid sharing:
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Banking details
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Account passwords
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Social Insurance Numbers (SIN)
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Credit card information
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Government-issued identification unless legally required
Be cautious of buyers requesting personal information that is unrelated to the sale.
Keep Communication on Kijiji When Possible
Using Kijiji messaging can help you keep a record of your conversations and transaction details.
Save important messages and agreements until the transaction is complete.
Trust Your Instincts
If a buyer’s behaviour seems suspicious, overly complicated, or inconsistent, you are not obligated to continue the transaction.
It’s okay to:
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Decline an offer
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Cancel a meeting
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Stop responding to suspicious requests
Your safety is more important than completing a sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I accept payment before meeting the buyer?
Whenever possible, complete payment and item exchange at the same time after verifying the funds.
How can I tell if a payment confirmation is fake?
Always verify payment directly through your bank or payment provider. Do not rely on screenshots or email confirmations alone.
Is it safe to meet buyers at my home?
Public meeting locations are generally safer. If a home visit is necessary, consider having another person present.
What should I do if a buyer seems suspicious?
Stop communication if necessary and do not proceed with the transaction if you feel uncomfortable.
Sell with Confidence
Most Kijiji transactions are completed without issues, but taking a few simple precautions can help reduce risks. Meet safely, verify payments carefully, protect your personal information, and trust your instincts to help ensure a positive selling experience.