5 Common Online Shopping Scams on Telegram & Facebook (And How to Avoid Them)
As peer-to-peer selling grows on platforms like Telegram and Facebook in Ethiopia, scammers are inventing new techniques to steal money from unsuspecting buyers and sellers. Recognizing these tactics is the first step toward securing your hard-earned funds. Here are the five most common scams currently active in the Ethiopian digital marketplace.
1. The Advance Payment Trap: The scammer lists highly sought-after products (like iPhones, laptops, or trendy clothes) at unusually low prices. They insist on a full or partial deposit through Telebirr before they will ship the item. Once the payment is sent, they block the buyer immediately. 2. Fake Payment Confirmation: Scammers send forged SMS notifications or edited screenshots that look exactly like bank alerts (CBE, Telebirr, or Dashen Bank). They pressure the seller to hand over the product immediately, claiming the transaction has gone through. 3. The Fake Delivery Agent: Scammers pretend to be reputable delivery drivers or ride-hail couriers. They claim they have the package in hand and require a delivery fee upfront, only to vanish once the fee is paid.
4. Digital Account Takeover: In transactions involving social media accounts, Telegram channels, or gaming IDs, the buyer changes the account credentials before sending payment, locking the seller out of both the account and their money. 5. CBE Transfer Reversals: Scammers utilize loopholes in bank transfer requests or disputed transactions to claim a mistake was made, forcing a reverse transfer after receiving the goods.
To avoid these scams, never send money directly to an unverified individual before inspecting the product. Always use a verified escrow service like Aman Pay to lock your payments, guaranteeing that your funds are only released when the item is physically in your hands.
