Safety Tips
Stay safe while buying and selling cars on SokoHero
Quick Safety Checklist
- Always meet in a public, well-lit location
- Bring a friend or family member with you
- Verify vehicle documentation before payment
- Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before buying
- Use secure payment methods
- Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, walk away
Safety Tips for Buyers
Before Meeting
- •Research the vehicle's market value to avoid overpaying
- •Ask detailed questions about the vehicle's history, condition, and reason for selling
- •Request to see photos of the vehicle from multiple angles
- •Verify the seller's identity and contact information
- •Check the vehicle's registration number online if possible
During the Meeting
- •Meet in a public place: Choose a well-lit, busy location like a shopping center parking lot or police station
- •Bring someone with you: Never go alone to view a vehicle
- •Inspect thoroughly: Check the engine, body condition, interior, and test drive if possible
- •Verify documentation: Check the logbook, ownership documents, and ensure they match the seller's ID
- •Check for liens: Verify the vehicle is not under any financial obligations
Payment Safety
- •Never pay before seeing the vehicle: Always inspect in person first
- •Use secure payment methods: Bank transfers or mobile money (M-Pesa) are safer than cash
- •Complete transfer at the bank: For large amounts, consider meeting at a bank to complete the transaction
- •Get a receipt: Always get a written receipt for your payment
- •Transfer ownership immediately: Complete the logbook transfer at the relevant authority
Safety Tips for Sellers
Protecting Your Listing
- •Be honest about the vehicle's condition and history
- •Provide clear, accurate photos and descriptions
- •Respond promptly to inquiries to build trust
- •Remove your listing immediately after the vehicle is sold
Meeting Buyers Safely
- •Meet in public: Choose a safe, well-lit location for viewings
- •Have someone present: Don't meet buyers alone, especially for test drives
- •Verify buyer identity: Ask to see the buyer's ID before allowing test drives
- •Supervise test drives: Always accompany buyers during test drives
- •Keep keys secure: Don't hand over keys until payment is confirmed
Payment Security
- •Verify payment before transfer: Confirm funds have cleared before handing over the vehicle
- •Use secure methods: Prefer bank transfers or mobile money over cash
- •Complete transfer at bank: For large amounts, meet at a bank to verify payment
- •Get proof of transfer: Ensure you have proper documentation of the sale
- •Transfer ownership properly: Complete logbook transfer to protect yourself from future liability
Red Flags to Watch Out For
For Buyers
- ⚠Price is significantly below market value
- ⚠Seller refuses to meet in person
- ⚠Pressure to make quick decisions
- ⚠Seller asks for payment before viewing
- ⚠Documentation doesn't match or looks suspicious
- ⚠Seller is evasive about vehicle history
- ⚠Vehicle condition doesn't match description
For Sellers
- ⚠Buyer offers to pay more than asking price
- ⚠Buyer wants to pay with suspicious methods
- ⚠Buyer refuses to meet in person
- ⚠Pressure to complete transaction quickly
- ⚠Buyer asks you to ship the vehicle
- ⚠Buyer's story doesn't add up
- ⚠Buyer wants to test drive alone
Vehicle Verification Checklist
Documents to Verify
- Logbook (Registration Certificate): Verify it matches the vehicle and seller's identity
- Seller's ID: Confirm the seller is the registered owner
- Insurance Documents: Check current insurance status
- Service History: Review maintenance records if available
- Lien Check: Verify no outstanding loans or financial obligations
Physical Inspection
- Check VIN/chassis number matches documentation
- Inspect body for signs of accidents or repairs
- Test all electrical systems and features
- Check engine condition and listen for unusual sounds
- Test drive to check handling, brakes, and transmission
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Report Suspicious Activity
If you encounter fraudulent listings, suspicious behavior, or feel unsafe, report it immediately:
- Use the "Report" button on the listing or user profile
- Contact SokoHero support at support@sokohero.com
- Provide as much detail as possible about the incident
If You've Been Scammed
- Report to the police immediately
- Contact SokoHero support with all relevant information
- Report to your bank or mobile money provider if payment was involved
- Keep all communication records and evidence
Emergency Contacts
Additional Safety Resources
Safe Meeting Locations
- • Shopping center parking lots
- • Police stations
- • Bank parking areas
- • Well-lit public areas during daylight hours
Safe Payment Methods
- • Bank-to-bank transfers
- • M-Pesa (mobile money)
- • Meeting at a bank for verification
- • Avoid large cash transactions
Remember: Safety First
Your safety is our priority. Always trust your instincts, take your time, and never feel pressured into making a decision. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.