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Safety Guidelines
Stay safe while using Soko. Learn about secure meeting places, payment safety, and how to avoid scams.
Emergency: If you ever feel unsafe during a transaction, leave immediately and call local emergency services. Report any threatening behavior to both police and Soko support.
Safe meeting places
Critical Priority
Where and how to meet for secure transactions
Meet in busy, well-lit public places during daylight hours
Police station parking lots are ideal for valuable items
Shopping centers and malls provide good security and witnesses
Banks are perfect for expensive transactions requiring verification
Avoid meeting at your home, workplace, or secluded areas
Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return
Consider bringing a friend for high-value transactions
Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, leave immediately
Payment security
Critical Priority
How to handle payments safely
Cash is often the safest payment method for local transactions
Count cash carefully and check for counterfeit bills
For bank transfers, verify the transfer before handing over items
Mobile money transfers should be confirmed before exchange
Never accept personal checks from strangers
Be cautious of overpayment scams (fake extra money for "shipping")
Get receipts for all transactions when possible
For expensive items, consider meeting at a bank to verify funds
Avoiding common scams
High Priority
Red flags to watch out for
Be wary of buyers/sellers who won't meet in person
Avoid deals that seem too good to be true
Don't trust buyers who want to send extra money for "shipping"
Never give out your bank account details to strangers
Be suspicious of urgent requests or pressure to decide quickly
Don't accept payments from third parties not involved in the deal
Verify expensive items aren't stolen - ask for proof of purchase
Report suspicious behavior to Soko support immediately
Personal information protection
High Priority
Keeping your private information safe
Never share your full address publicly in listings
Use Soko's messaging system instead of personal phone/email initially
Don't include personal information in photos (documents, addresses)
Be careful about revealing valuable items you own at home
Use a separate email for marketplace activities if preferred
Don't share financial information beyond what's necessary
Be cautious about social media connections with strangers
Report any attempts to get your personal information
Inspecting items safely
Medium Priority
How to check items before buying
Always inspect items thoroughly before paying
Test electronics and moving parts if possible
Check for damage, wear, or missing parts
Verify serial numbers match any documentation
For vehicles, insist on a test drive and inspection
Bring tools or expertise if needed for complex items
Take photos of the item's condition for your records
Don't feel pressured to buy if something isn't right
Emergency procedures
Critical Priority
What to do if something goes wrong
If you feel unsafe, leave immediately and go to a public place
Call local emergency services (police) if threatened
Report suspicious or criminal behavior to authorities
Document everything - save messages, take photos, note details
Contact Soko support to report problematic users
If scammed, report to local police and consider legal action
Share your experience to help warn other users
Seek support from friends, family, or counseling if traumatized
Pre-Transaction Safety Checklist
✓ Before Meeting
- Choose a public, well-lit meeting place
- Tell someone where you're going and when
- Verify the other person's identity through Soko
- Agree on payment method in advance
✗ Never Do
- Meet at your home or isolated areas
- Share personal financial information
- Pay before inspecting the item
- Ignore your instincts if something feels wrong
Report Safety Issues
If you encounter any safety issues, suspicious behavior, or scam attempts, please report them immediately. Your reports help keep the Soko community safe for everyone.