1.Scams to be Avoided:

1) Don't trust users who want you to provide any kind of payment services or ask for extra fees for an item or service.

2) You are supposed to reject any request to use money transfer services such as; MoneyGram, Western Union which are not the authorized tools for Amin users.

To ensure a safe transaction, the most basic rule to follow is not to pay in advance at any time when you are using Amin.ug.

Any payment before delivery is not allowed for buyers, and sellers are prohibited to request payment in advance.

2. Check the item by yourself

You should check the item properly and ensure every detail is as expected by yourself before you pay for it.

3. Meet in a public place.

If you're buying or selling a small-sized item, there's no reason why you should have to meet at someone's home (the buyer or seller insists that you come over to their house, approach with caution). Instead, meet in a well-lit, public place. This is a blanket rule - for example, a local coffee shop or another venue that's convenient for both of you.

4. Have a safe interview

Job hunters should be wise in honoring job interview invitations. There are several basic points to note before you go:

1) Job application does not need you to make any kind of payment either before or after.

2) Don't give them your personal info easily.

3) Check the company's history, legality status and possible risks.

5. Trust your guts

If an item seems too good to be true or something about the sale feels off, it probably is: As timeless as this is, we often forget it. So please, beware of unrealistic offers. It’s normally a ploy to get you to make a hasty, and costly, mistake. Use your intuition as your guide and only do business with people that you feel comfortable with.

6. Buddy up

If you're going to someone's home, make sure you bring a friend along. Conversely, if you're going to be letting a buyer into your abode, make sure you're not home alone.

How do I know if it's a Fraud?

Although we make sure we’re at the cutting edge of innovation when it comes to preventing fraud, your safety is just as much our responsibility as it is yours.

So, here are tips for spotting fraud for buyers and sellers.

If it appears too good to be true, it probably is. Especially if it’s advertised at a suspiciously low price.

The seller wants advance payment or initial deposit before sending you the item. They’ll often insist that you can pay the balance when collecting the item, or refund your money should you be unhappy with the item.

The seller can’t meet you in a public place but wants to deliver the item personally.

The seller asks for personal information like your ID number, bank details, your email address, or your debit/credit card number.

If the seller wants to take you off the Amin chat by saying “email me” or “call me on this number”.

The buyer insists on using a cheque.

The buyer demands you send the item before they pay for it.

The buyer asks for personal information like your ID, bank details, your email address, your debit/credit card number.

The buyer is from a foreign country or wants to buy the item for a relative who is abroad.

The buyer will ask to send a driver to collect an item without viewing it. They often immediately reverse the online payment or send a fake proof of payment.