Safety Tips

At Adestaly, your safety is our priority. Whether you're buying a product, selling an item, posting a job, or applying for one, following these safety tips will help you have a secure and positive experience on our platform.

1. How to Buy Safely

Buying on Adestaly connects you directly with sellers. While most sellers are honest, it's important to protect yourself. Follow these guidelines:

Before You Pay

• Inspect the goods first. Always examine the product in person before making payment. Check for quality, functionality, and any signs of damage.
• Ask for documents. Request that sellers provide documents proving the goods comply with applicable laws, regulations, standards, and requirements.
• Verify the listing details. Confirm the price, condition, specifications, and any sale conditions. Make sure everything matches what was advertised.
• Check the seller's profile. Look at their reviews, ratings, and history on the platform. A seller with positive feedback is generally more reliable.
• Ask questions. Don't hesitate to ask the seller for more information or clarification about the product.
• Compare prices. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of unusually low prices.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Sellers who pressure you to pay quickly or urgently.
• Requests for payment outside the platform to untraceable methods.
• Sellers who refuse to meet in person or show the product.
• Listings with vague descriptions or stock photos instead of real images.
• Sellers who ask for your bank details, OTP, or PIN.
• Prices that are significantly lower than market value.

2. How to Sell Safely

Selling on Adestaly gives you access to a wide audience. Protect yourself and your business by following these tips:

Creating Your Listing

• Be honest and accurate. Provide complete, truthful information about your product or service, including its condition, specifications, and any flaws.
• Use real photos. Upload clear, original images of the actual item you're selling. Avoid stock photos.
• State your price clearly. Ensure your price is accurate and clearly state any conditions that could affect the price.
• Keep your contact number active. Ensure the phone number associated with your listing is reachable. Failure to maintain a working number may result in your listing being temporarily closed.
• Comply with the law. Make sure your listing terms comply with Adestaly's Terms of Use and all applicable laws.

During the Transaction

• Communicate through in-app chat Keep conversations on the platform where possible for your protection.
• Meet in a safe public place. Choose a busy, well-lit location during daylight hours for handovers.
• Verify the buyer. Check their profile and reviews. Be cautious with new accounts.
• Confirm payment before handing over goods. Ensure funds have cleared before completing the transaction.
• Keep records. Save chat conversations and transaction details in case of disputes.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Buyers who overpay and ask for a refund of the difference.
• Requests to ship goods before payment is confirmed.
• Buyers who refuse to meet in a public place.
• Pressure to complete the transaction outside the platform.
• Buyers who ask for your personal or financial information.

3. Meeting People in Public

Whether you're completing a marketplace transaction or attending a job interview, meeting in person requires caution. Your personal safety comes first.

4. Checking User Profiles & Reviews

Before transacting with anyone on Adestaly, take a moment to review their profile and reputation. This simple step can save you from potential problems.

What to Check

• Profile completeness: A complete profile with a real photo, verified details, and a clear description is generally more trustworthy.
• Reviews and ratings: Read feedback from other users. Look for consistent positive experiences and be wary of patterns of complaints.
• Account age: Newly created accounts with no history may carry more risk. Be extra cautious.
• Response time: How quickly and professionally does the user respond to messages?
• Listing history: Check if the user has multiple listings and whether they appear legitimate.

Red Flags in Profiles

• No profile picture or obviously fake images.
• Negative reviews or unresolved complaints.
• Accounts created very recently with no activity.
• Inconsistent or vague profile information.
• Refusal to communicate through the platform.
• Requests to move conversations off the platform immediately.

5. Never Share Personal Information

Protecting your personal information is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe online. Scammers often try to obtain sensitive details to commit fraud or identity theft.

Information You Should Never Share

• Bank account details — account numbers, BVN, or card numbers.
• OTP codes — one-time passwords sent to your phone or email.
• PINs and passwords — for your bank, email, or Adestaly account.
• Full home address — unless absolutely necessary and you trust the person.
• Government-issued ID numbers — unless required for a legitimate, verified purpose.
• Personal identification documents — such as passport, driver's license, or national ID, unless necessary and verified.
• Financial information — salary details, investment accounts, or loan information.

What to Do Instead

• Use the in-app chat to communicate — avoid sharing your personal phone number until you trust the other party.
• Use secure payment methods that don't require sharing financial details directly.
• If someone requests sensitive information, treat it as a red flag and report them.
• Regularly review your account activity for any unauthorized changes.
• Keep your login credentials secure and never share them with anyone.

6. Safety for Employers

If you're posting job opportunities on Adestaly, follow these guidelines to protect yourself and your business:

Posting Jobs Safely

• Provide accurate job details. Clearly describe the role, responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation.
• Verify applicant identities. Before hiring, confirm the identity and credentials of candidates.
• Meet in professional settings. Conduct interviews in your office or a neutral public location during business hours.
• Never request payment from applicants. Legitimate employers do not charge job seekers for employment opportunities.
• Protect company information. Don't share sensitive business details with unverified candidates.
• Keep records. Document your hiring process and communications with candidates.

Red Flags from Applicants

• Candidates who refuse to provide identification or references.
• Applicants who ask for money or personal favors.
• Inconsistent work history or qualifications.
• Pressure to hire immediately without proper vetting.
• Requests for company financial information.

7. Safety for Job Seekers

Finding a job through Adestaly can open great opportunities, but it's important to protect yourself from fraudulent employers.

Before You Apply

• Research the employer. Look up the company or individual online. Check their website, social media, and reviews.
• Verify the job listing. Make sure the job details are clear and realistic. Be wary of vague descriptions or unrealistic salaries.
• Check the employer's profile. Reviews and history on the platform.
• Never pay for a job. Legitimate employers do not ask for payment for job applications, interviews, training, or equipment.

During the Interview Process

• Meet in a safe public place. For in-person interviews, choose a public location during daylight hours.
• Tell someone your plans. Share the interview details with a trusted friend or family member.
• Protect your personal information. Don't share bank details, ID numbers, or other sensitive information until you've verified the employer.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off about the employer or the job, don't proceed.
• Ask questions. A legitimate employer will be happy to answer questions about the role, company, and expectations.

Red Flags from Employers

• Requests for payment for job applications, training, or equipment.
• Job offers without an interview or proper vetting process.
• Pressure to provide personal or financial information immediately.
• Unrealistic salary promises or vague job descriptions.
• Communication from personal email addresses instead of company domains.
• Requests to meet in private, isolated locations.

8. Safe Payment Practices

Whether you're buying on the marketplace or paying for a service, safe payment practices are essential.

• Inspect goods before paying. Always verify the product or service meets your expectations before releasing funds.
• Use secure payment methods. Prefer traceable payment methods that offer some protection.
• Avoid paying in advance. Unless you trust the seller completely, avoid paying before receiving the goods or services.
• Add payment description. Add payment description while making payment.
• Get a receipt. Keep proof of payment and any transaction records.
• Don't share financial details. Never give out your bank account details, card numbers, or PINs to other users.
• Be cautious with refunds. If a buyer overpays and asks for a refund, it may be a scam.

9. Reporting Suspicious Activity

If you encounter suspicious behavior, fraud, or safety concerns on Adestaly, please report it immediately. Your report helps protect you and the entire community.

What to Report

• Fraudulent listings or scams.
• Users asking for sensitive personal or financial information.
• Harassment, threats, or abusive behavior.
• Fake accounts or impersonation.
• Transactions that feel unsafe or suspicious.
• Any violation of Adestaly's Terms of Use.

How to Report

• Use the in-app report feature on the user's profile or listing.
• Email us at [email protected] with details and screenshots.
• Contact our support team through the app.

All reports are treated confidentially. We review every report and take appropriate action, which may include warning, suspending, or terminating accounts.

10. Emergency Contacts

If you are in immediate danger or have been the victim of a crime, contact local emergency services right away.

After ensuring your safety, please also report the incident to Adestaly so we can take action against the responsible users and prevent future incidents.

Need Help?

Our support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any issue or inquiry.

Office: Suite 17, Ijakadi Shopping Mall, along Olofa Way, Offa.
Website: Adestaly.com
Email: [email protected]