Safety · tak.lk
Buying and selling online carries real risk. These are the habits that keep scammers out of your deals — for buyers and sellers alike — plus the tricks worth recognizing before they cost you.
Buyer safetySeller safetySpotting scams
The golden rules, in four lines
Never pay for an item without seeing it first. Meet the seller in a public, well-lit place during daytime. Bring a friend if you can.
Legitimate sellers will let you inspect the item before paying. Be very suspicious if someone asks for a deposit, 'holding fee', or full payment before meeting.
A brand new iPhone for Rs. 20,000? A car at half market price? Scammers bait victims with unrealistically low prices. Research the market value before you buy.
Don't trust screenshots of bank transfers or SMS confirmations. Check your own bank app or account balance to verify that money has actually been received.
No buyer or seller ever needs your bank account password, OTP, or credit card number. If someone asks for these, it's a scam — always.
For vehicles, verify the chassis number with the Department of Motor Traffic. For property, use a lawyer to verify title deeds and ownership. Never skip this step.
If a buyer sends more than the asking price and asks you to 'refund the difference', it's a scam. The original payment will bounce, and you'll lose the refund amount.
When showing items, vehicles, or property, do it in a public area or have someone with you. Don't invite strangers to your home alone.
If a 'buyer' asks you to pay a fee, shipping cost, or any charge to complete the sale, it's a scam. Walk away immediately.
Only share the contact details on your ad. Don't share your NIC, bank details, or home address until you've verified the buyer's identity.
The scammer posts an attractive listing, then asks for a deposit to 'hold' or 'reserve' the item. Once paid, they disappear. Never send money before seeing the item.
The buyer shows a forged bank transfer screenshot or fake SMS saying 'payment sent'. Always verify through your own bank app — never trust a screenshot.
Stolen or cloned vehicles sold with forged documents. Always verify the chassis number with DMT and confirm the seller's NIC matches the vehicle registration.
Scammers copy photos from real listings and offer rentals at below-market rates. They ask for a deposit before viewing. Always visit the property and meet the landlord in person.
The seller insists on shipping the item and asks for payment upfront. The item never arrives. On Tak, always prefer in-person transactions for high-value items.
If you've lost money, file a complaint at your nearest police station right away. You can also report a suspicious ad with the Report button on any listing, and email us so we can act on it.