How to Spot Fake Sellers and Avoid Scams When Shopping Online in Ghana
Online shopping scams are common in Ghana. Learn how to identify fake sellers and protect yourself when buying online.
Online shopping in Ghana has grown rapidly but so have scams. Whether you're buying a phone, furniture or fashion, knowing how to spot fake sellers can save you from losing money. Here's everything you need to know to shop safely online in Ghana.
Common Online Shopping Scams in Ghana
Advance payment scams — seller asks for full payment upfront then disappears
Fake product photos — photos are stolen from other listings or websites
Wrong item delivered — you pay for an iPhone and receive a cheap Android
Overpriced items — seller inflates prices far above market value
Non-existent items — the product doesn't exist at all
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Price too good to be true — if a brand new iPhone 14 is listed for GHS 500, it's a scam
No profile photo or history — brand new accounts with no listing history
Refuses to meet in person — legitimate sellers are happy to meet
Asks for full payment before meeting — never pay before you see the item
Poor quality photos — blurry, stock images or photos with watermarks from other sites
Pressure to buy quickly — "offer expires in 1 hour" is a manipulation tactic
Asks you to communicate off-platform — wants to move to a different app immediately
How to Verify a Seller is Legitimate
Check their listing history — how many listings do they have?
Look at how long they've been a member
Ask for a video call to see the item live
Request additional photos from different angles
Google the seller's phone number to check for scam reports
Read reviews if available
Safe Ways to Pay in Ghana
Pay on delivery — best option, inspect before paying
Meet in a public place — busy area like a mall or bank
Mobile Money — only send after receiving the item
Never wire transfer — impossible to reverse if scammed
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
Report to the platform immediately
Report to Ghana Police Service Cybercrime Unit
Contact your mobile money provider to attempt a reversal
Share the scammer's details to warn others
Why Makola Digital is Safe
Makola Digital verifies sellers and allows buyers to chat directly with sellers via WhatsApp before purchasing. Our team reviews all listings and removes suspicious ones. We also encourage buyers to always meet sellers in person for high-value items.
If you encounter a suspicious listing on Makola Digital, contact us immediately at hello@makoladigital.online.