Most members of our community enjoy smooth, problem-free transactions—but it’s important to stay alert to the rare cases of fraudulent or suspicious activity. Here are some essential tips to help protect yourself while buying or selling on Kijiji.
Kijiji encourages local transactions. Whenever possible, meet in person and in a public, well-lit location such as a coffee shop, community center, or shopping mall. These settings not only help ensure your safety but also give you the chance to inspect the item before finalizing the exchange.
If you must visit someone’s home to view an item, bring a friend or family member with you. Never invite strangers into your own home unless absolutely necessary.
Plan meet-ups during the day and in areas where plenty of people are nearby. Let someone you trust know where you’re going, who you’re meeting, and when you expect to return.
Whenever possible, opt for cashless payment options such as e-transfers, mobile payments, or digital wallets. These methods are traceable and reduce the risk of theft.
If you are a seller, always verify directly with your bank or payment provider that funds have been received before handing over the item. Do not rely solely on email notifications claiming that payment was sent—scammers can easily fake or spoof these messages.
Avoid wiring money or using services like MoneyGram or Western Union for Kijiji transactions. Scammers often request wire transfers because they’re difficult to recover once sent.
If you’ve already wired money, contact the transfer company immediately:
Stay alert for phishing emails or messages that ask you to confirm your account details, reset your password, or verify a change you didn’t request. These may be attempts to steal your login information.
For guidance on secure sign-in practices, visit our Account Security help section.
Scam tactics evolve quickly. Review our guides on Avoiding Scams for specific categories like:
If you’ve received a suspicious message in response to your ad, see our article on Avoiding Reply Scams for next steps.
Never share banking or personal details (such as SIN, driver’s licence, or credit card information) through email or chat.
Be cautious of unsolicited emails or links from unknown senders—these may contain malware designed to steal your information.
If you encounter fraudulent or suspicious activity, report it to Kijiji right away through our Contact Us page.
If you believe you’ve been scammed, please visit our What to Do If I’ve Been Scammed help article for instructions and resources.
Continue to follow the latest public health guidelines from your local authorities and Health Canada when arranging in-person meetings, especially during times of elevated health risks.
By following these simple steps, you can help make Kijiji a safer and more trustworthy community for everyone.
Stay smart, stay safe, and happy buying and selling!
