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Trust & safety
A few simple habits keep you safe when buying and selling online.
Before you buy
- Check the seller's rating and reviews. Every trader has a public shop page with star ratings from real, completed orders.
- Look for the ✔ verified badge. Verified traders have been reviewed by our team.
- Read the full description and ask questions. Use the public Q&A on the listing, or message the seller on WhatsApp, before committing.
- Be realistic about prices. If a deal looks far too good to be true, it usually is.
Paying safely
- Prefer pay-on-delivery or meeting in a safe, public place for local deals.
- Keep records of every message, receipt, and payment reference.
- Never share your bank PIN, card CVV, one-time passwords (OTPs), or full passwords with anyone — no genuine seller or staff member will ever ask for them.
- Be cautious with full upfront payment to sellers with no rating history.
Selling safely
- Confirm payment has cleared before you ship or hand over an item.
- Use traceable delivery and keep the dispatch receipt.
- Describe items honestly — accurate listings mean fewer disputes and better reviews.
Spotting and avoiding scams
Be alert to anyone who:
- Pressures you to pay or ship immediately, or to move the deal off the platform right away.
- Asks for OTPs, passwords, or remote access to your phone or bank app.
- Sends a "proof of payment" screenshot instead of a real, cleared transfer.
- Offers to overpay and asks you to refund the difference.
If something goes wrong
Open a dispute from the order page. Our team will review it, contact both parties, and resolve it fairly. You can also contact us at any time. Report listings or users that break our Terms or list prohibited items.
Remember: TheAuction.ng is a venue that connects buyers and sellers. We do not take possession of items or hold payments, so your own caution is your best protection.