Avoiding Reply Scams
Have you received a suspicious reply to an ad you’ve posted on Kijiji? Or perhaps you’ve received an odd response after replying to an ad? Here are some tips to keep you safe when communicating with users:
💬 Be cautious with vague or generic replies
When receiving replies regarding your ad, be suspicious of communication that does not make specific reference to what your ad is about, such as:
“Is there anything to add or does the ad say it all?”
“I’m ready to pick up this item, can you give me your price and is the condition as listed?”
Replies like these are generally sent out en masse by fraudsters hoping to get as many responses as possible. If you receive any such replies, please contact Kijiji so we can remove their access to our site and prevent them from targeting others.
📧 Safe communication practices
Remember, emails from the domain @rts.kijiji.ca are safe! Click here for more information about our new Masked Email Addresses.
Typically, fraudsters will attempt to organize a transaction that is not face-to-face. The following are a few examples of the most common replies you might receive:
The best rule of thumb while using Kijiji is to meet up with the person you’re communicating with the good old-fashioned way — face-to-face!
🧠 Additional signs of suspicious messages
- Unusual or broken grammar, or messages that feel slightly “off.”
- Messages that create urgency or emotional pressure, such as “I need this today” or “It’s for my sick child.”
- Claims to be local while using a foreign phone number or refusing to meet in person.
- Requests to continue the conversation off-platform via text, WhatsApp, or email — these are red flags.
- Offers that are too good to be true or that involve overpayment and refund requests.
💰 Safe transaction habits
- Avoid cash transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency as payment methods — these are common scam tactics.
- Only use cash or secure, in-person transactions.
- Never agree to handle shipping or third-party pickups for buyers.
- Keep all communication on Kijiji where possible; our systems can detect and act on suspicious activity.
📍 Meeting safely
- Always meet in a public, well-lit area, ideally during the day.
- Some communities have “safe exchange zones” at police stations.
- Bring a friend or let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return.
- Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it’s okay to cancel the meeting.
🧾 If you suspect fraud
- Keep copies of messages or payment confirmations as evidence.
- Visit our Safety Centre for the latest scam alerts and prevention tips.
