How a safe deal works
MarketSafe checks that everyone is who they say they are, keeps your chat on the platform, and helps you meet safely. Here’s a deal, step by step.
The safe-deal steps
Four steps, the same for every deal: you only pay once the item is in your hands.
- Step 1
Everyone is verified
Every member confirms a cellphone number and an email address, and passes an ID check with a live selfie.
- Step 2
Chat on MarketSafe
Phone numbers, email addresses and “move to WhatsApp” requests are hidden in chat, to keep the deal on MarketSafe.
- Step 3
Meet somewhere safe
Meet in a busy public place in daylight, like a shopping centre, and check the item before any money moves.
- Step 4
Pay at hand-over
Pay cash, or an instant EFT the seller sees in their own banking app. Never pay a deposit.
What keeps you safe
ID-verified members
Every member confirms a cellphone number and an email address and passes an ID check, so each account is one real person.
Safe chat
Phone numbers, email addresses and “move to WhatsApp” requests are hidden, to keep the deal where our checks can help.
Checked listings and reels
A person checks every video, and listings in higher-risk categories like electronics, before they go live.
Fraud checks
Prices far below normal, contact details and other warning signs send a listing for review.
Reports
Report a listing that looks wrong. Our team checks reports, removes what breaks the rules and can suspend accounts.
Safety advice
Tips on every listing, and a Safety centre with the common scams and how to meet safely.
Meeting safely
The basics for every meet-up. The Safety centre has the rest, including the common scams.
Open the Safety centre- Meet in a busy public place in daylight, like a shopping centre. Take someone with you for big items.
- Check the item before you pay. Switch electronics on, and check serial numbers and accessories.
- Pay at hand-over: cash, or an instant EFT the seller sees in their own banking app. Never accept a screenshot or SMS as proof.
- Never pay a deposit, and never send money for an item you haven’t seen.
Built in South Africa, for South Africans
MarketSafe is made in Pretoria for the way South Africans buy and sell second-hand.
- Members check their identity with a South African smart ID card, green ID book or a passport, plus a live selfie.
- Prices are in rand, and you meet in your own area, so you see the item before you pay.
- Your details are handled under South Africa’s privacy law, POPIA.
Questions people ask
Is MarketSafe free?
Yes. During the beta it’s free to list and free to buy.
How do I pay?
In person, when you collect the item: in cash, or by an instant EFT that the seller sees arrive in their own banking app before handing it over. MarketSafe doesn’t handle payments yet.
Why do I have to verify my ID?
So every member is a real person with one account. That keeps out throwaway accounts, which is how many marketplace scams start. You take a photo of your ID document (a smart ID card, green ID book or passport) and a live selfie, and our verification partner compares the two. MarketSafe keeps the result, not your selfie, your ID photo or your ID number.
Can I get something delivered?
Not yet. For now, buyers collect in person and pay at hand-over. We’re working on “Pay safely”, which would let you buy from sellers further away, with delivery.
Can I chat on WhatsApp instead?
Please don’t. Many scams start when a chat moves to WhatsApp or SMS: there’s no record on MarketSafe, and our safety checks can’t help. Keep the chat here, and meet in person to finish the deal.
What if something goes wrong?
Stop the deal, report the listing on MarketSafe, and keep the chat. If you’ve lost money, call your bank’s fraud line straight away and report it to SAPS.