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.

Report to Support Getting Started Guide

Soko

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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