Safety centre
Buy and sell without getting caught out
Almost every scam on classifieds asks you to pay before you see what you’re paying for. If you remember one thing, make it this: see it, check the papers, then pay.
Common scams in Zimbabwe
A deposit to “hold” it
The seller is suddenly out of town and asks for a deposit by EcoCash or bank transfer before you’ve seen the item. Never pay before you’ve seen it and checked the papers.
A fake payment message
A buyer shows you, or forwards, an SMS that looks like a mobile-money confirmation. Check your own balance or statement before you hand anything over.
A stand sold twice
Someone sells the same stand to several buyers, or sells land they don’t own. See the title deeds or the cession papers, search them at the Deeds Registry or the council, and pay through a lawyer or a registered estate agent.
A car that isn’t here yet
The seller wants you to pay duty or “clearing fees” for a car still in Durban or Beira. Buy cars you can see and drive, or use a registered clearing agent.
Rent before a viewing
An owner “abroad” asks for the first month’s rent and promises to courier the keys. View the property and meet the owner or their agent first.
A fee to get a job
A “recruiter” asks for a registration, uniform or medical fee. Real employers don’t charge you to apply.
A code sent to your phone
Someone asks you to read out a code you’ve just received by SMS. That code unlocks your mobile money or WhatsApp. Never share it with anyone.
Papers to ask for
Cars and bikes
- Registration book in the seller’s name
- Police clearance for change of ownership
- ZIMRA duty receipt for an import
- A current ZINARA licence disc
Houses and stands
- Title deeds, or the cession papers for a stand
- A search at the Deeds Registry or the council
- Rates clearance from the council
- The agent’s Estate Agents Council registration
Livestock
- Stock cards in the seller’s name
- A veterinary movement permit
- Dipping records if you can get them
Phones and laptops
- The box, with an IMEI that matches the phone
- Your own SIM in it before you pay
- The seller signed out of their accounts
Meeting safely
Meet somewhere busy
A shopping centre car park or outside a bank, in daylight. Take someone with you.
Keep what you agree in writing
Agree the price and the meeting place by message, so there’s a record if something goes wrong.
Report anything odd
Use the flag on any ad. We read every report, and an ad that three people report is hidden until we’ve checked it.
Buying from abroad
Ask for a video call
Ads marked “Video viewing” come from sellers happy to show you round on WhatsApp video. Ask them to show the papers on camera too.
Send someone you trust
Ask a relative or friend to see the item and the papers before any money changes hands, and to collect it.
Pay on collection
For property and vehicles, pay through a lawyer or a registered agent, never into a stranger’s account before transfer.