Staying safe on Mzuri
Mzuri connects buyers and sellers directly. We do not process payments, hold money, or ship devices, so the deal happens between you and the other person. A few simple habits keep you safe and help you avoid the most common scams in Kenya.
Mzuri is not a party to any transaction and cannot recover money you have sent. Treat every deal with care, especially anything that involves paying before you have seen and tested the device.
- 1
Meet in a public, well-lit place
Choose a busy spot such as a shopping mall, a bank entrance, or a matatu stage during the day. Avoid going to private homes or quiet areas alone. If you can, bring a friend along.
- 2
Inspect and test the device before paying
Power the phone or tablet on, check the screen for cracks, test the camera, speakers, charging port, SIM slot, and buttons. Make a quick test call. Never agree to pay for a device you have not held and tested yourself.
- 3
Verify the IMEI is not blacklisted
Dial *#06# to see the IMEI, then confirm it matches the box and the settings. A blacklisted IMEI can mean the device was reported lost or stolen and may be blocked from networks. Walk away if the seller refuses to share it.
- 4
Never pay before you see the item
A common scam is asking for a deposit to "hold" a device or to cover "delivery" before any meeting. Do not send M-Pesa or any money before you have inspected the device in person. Pay only when you are ready to take the device with you.
- 5
Be wary of deals that look too good to be true
A brand new flagship at half the market price is almost always a scam. Compare prices across other Mzuri listings. If a seller is rushing you or pressuring you to decide instantly, slow down.
- 6
Confirm payment yourself, do not trust screenshots
Sellers should check their own M-Pesa balance or the official SMS from Safaricom, not a screenshot or a forwarded "confirmation" message. Fake M-Pesa confirmation texts and screenshots are a frequent trick. Wait for the genuine confirmation before handing over the device.
- 7
Avoid courier and delivery-only sellers
If a seller insists on shipping the device to you after payment and refuses to meet, treat it as a red flag. Mzuri does not ship items or hold money, so any "send the deposit and I will courier it" arrangement is at your own risk.
- 8
Never share OTPs, PINs, or passwords
No genuine buyer or seller needs your one-time password, M-Pesa PIN, or account password. Anyone asking for an OTP is trying to take over your account or your money. Never read out a code that arrives by SMS.
- 9
Keep conversations and records
Agree details over WhatsApp or call and keep the messages. Note the other person's name and phone number. If a device turns out to be faulty or stolen, this information helps you and the authorities.
- 10
Report suspicious listings
If a listing looks fake, lists a prohibited item, or the seller behaves suspiciously, use the report option on the listing. Our moderation team reviews reports and removes listings that break our rules.
See something wrong?
Use the report button on any listing to flag scams or prohibited items, or contact us directly. For more on how the marketplace works, read how it works and our terms of service.