Safety Tips

Always arrange to meet in a safe, public location. Good choices include shopping centers, supermarket parking lots, or other places with security and CCTV. Avoid meeting in secluded areas or inviting strangers to your home, especially if you’ll be alone. In Harare for example, popular public meet-up spots like Avondale Shopping Centre or a fuel station on a busy road can be safer options than private residences.

If possible, don’t go alone to a transaction. Take a friend or family member with you, particularly when dealing in high-value items like cars or electronics. If you must go alone, inform someone you trust about where you’re going, who you’re meeting (share contact info), and the time of the meeting. A quick call or message to a friend before and after the meet-up can add an extra layer of security.

For buyers, make sure to inspect the item carefully before handing over payment. Test electronics to see that they work, check the condition of a vehicle, or verify the quality of a service being offered. Don’t feel rushed – a legitimate seller will understand that you need to confirm the item is as described. For sellers, if you’re offering a service, be clear on the terms (down payment, deliverables, etc.) to avoid misunderstandings.

Cash on exchange is often the simplest and safest for in-person transactions. If using electronic payment (like EcoCash, bank transfer, etc.), do it on the spot once you have verified the item. Be cautious of anyone asking for money before you meet or who insists on a deposit to “hold an item.” Scammers might request an upfront EcoCash payment and then vanish. It’s usually best to pay only when you have the item in hand or to use a trusted escrow if engaging in a large remote transaction.

Stay alert for listings with prices way below market value or sob stories that urge you to act quickly. While great bargains exist, extremely low prices or pressure to send money urgently are red flags. If something feels “off” or the seller avoids meeting in person, trust your instincts. It’s better to walk away than risk being scammed.

Limit what personal info you share. You do not need to give out things like your ID number, home address (unless it’s for the transaction and you’re comfortable), or banking details to buyers or sellers. Communicate through Kalystar’s provided channels (our site chat/WhatsApp or the phone number in the listing) so there’s a record. Scammers sometimes try to move conversations to strange platforms or ask unnecessary personal questions – stay on topic and be cautious.

In Zimbabwe, it’s okay to politely verify who you’re dealing with. A quick phone call before meeting can give you a sense of the person. If you’re buying a higher value item like a car, you might ask for proof of ownership or ID when you meet. Likewise, sellers can ask to see a buyer’s ID if you’re signing any documents or just to confirm who is purchasing. Genuine traders will appreciate the honesty and caution.

Take advantage of Kalystar’s community features. Look at any reviews or ratings a seller might have. Kalystar encourages users to leave feedback after transactions. While we are a new platform, over time these reviews can help indicate who is reliable. Also, if a listing is marked as “Verified” or has an indication that Kalystar has vetted it, that can give extra peace of mind (though you should still follow all safety steps).

Remember that Kalystar is focused on Zimbabwe. Be wary of any buyer or seller claiming to be overseas or asking you to ship items abroad. Often, local scams involve someone saying they’ll send a foreign cheque or PayPal payment unexpectedly. Stick to local, in-person deals whenever possible.

If you encounter anything suspicious – a potential scam, harassment, or a listing that seems fraudulent – report it to Kalystar immediately. You can reach us via our contact channels (email or WhatsApp). We will investigate and, if necessary, remove the listing or ban the user. By reporting issues, you’re helping protect others in the community as well.

By following these safety tips, you can trade on Kalystar with greater confidence. We are continuously working to educate our users and improve platform security. Your vigilance, combined with our support, will keep Kalystar a safe marketplace for everyone.