The vast majority of transactions on Kegalle Marketplace happen safely between genuine people. But knowing what a scam looks like — and how to avoid one — protects both your money and your goods.
Red Flags for Buyers
- Price too good to be true: A brand new iPhone 15 Pro listed at LKR 60,000 is not a bargain — it is bait. If the price is 40%+ below market, something is wrong.
- Seller wants payment before you see the item: Never send money — especially via money transfer services — before physically inspecting what you are buying.
- Seller can only meet at unusual times or places: A genuine seller will meet you during daylight at a public location.
- Photos look copied from the internet: Do a reverse image search on Google Images before travelling to view anything.
- Pressure to decide immediately: “I have three other buyers coming today” is a classic pressure tactic. A genuine seller will give you time to inspect properly.
Red Flags for Sellers
- Buyer offers to overpay and asks for a refund of the difference: This is a classic cheque fraud scam. The overpayment cheque bounces after you refund the difference.
- Buyer asks you to use a specific payment app you have not heard of: Stick to bank transfers to known accounts.
- Buyer asks for the item to be delivered before payment clears: Wait for cleared funds (not just a transfer notification) before releasing goods.
Safe Meeting Guidelines
- Meet in a busy public place — a bank, a petrol station forecourt, or a busy street in Kegalle town
- Bring a friend or family member, especially for high-value transactions
- Tell someone where you are going and who you are meeting
- For vehicle sales and property viewings, meet during daylight hours
Safe Payment Methods
Best: Bank transfer — wait for funds to appear in your account (not just a screenshot) before handing over goods.
Acceptable: Cash in hand at a public place, counted together before exchange.
Avoid: Money transfer apps from unknown parties, cheques for large amounts, and any payment method the buyer insists upon over your preferred method.
Report a Problem
If you encounter a suspicious listing on Kegalle Marketplace, use the “Report Ad” button on the listing page. Our team reviews reports within 24 hours. You can also contact us directly.