Buyer Protection & Safety Guidelines
Helping Sri Lankan buyers and sellers navigate peer-to-peer transactions safely and securely with local insights.
Crucial Notice — iGo Is a Host Platform, Not an Insurance Provider
iGo Sri Lanka is a neutral online classified hosting platform. All advertisements, item descriptions, and pricing are posted solely by third-party users. iGo does not hold funds, offer financial escrow, guarantee product condition, or insure private transactions. The legal, civil, and financial responsibility for every advertisement rests entirely with the individual who posted it. Always follow our safety protocols and inspect all goods in person prior to payment.
Core Safety Pillars
Verified Sellers & Dealers
Accounts are secured via Dual OTP. Look for the Green checkmark (Verified Seller) and Orange badge (Official Dealer) for maximum trust.
Inspect Before Paying
Always inspect goods in person, test electronics, and verify vehicle paperwork physically before handing over money.
No Advance Payments
Refuse any request for advance bank transfers, eZ Cash, mCash, or courier fees before seeing the item.
Public Meetups Only
Meet in safe public places like malls (e.g. One Galle Face), busy supermarkets (Keells, Cargills), or near police stations.
Safe Payment Practices in Sri Lanka
Recommended: Cash or Instant CEFT
- • Cash: Cash on delivery is the safest method. Count the cash in a secure location (e.g., inside a bank branch or shopping mall).
- • CEFT (Instant Transfer): If doing a bank transfer, wait for the money to reflect in your own banking app. Do not trust SMS alerts or printed/PDF receipts shown by the buyer, as these can be easily forged.
Strictly Avoid: Cheques & Escrow Services
- • Cheques: Never accept cheques for high-value items like vehicles or electronics. "Cheque bounce" scams are common; the cheque may deposit but clear days later (or bounce entirely).
- • Fake Escrow: Avoid third-party escrow services suggested by buyers. iGo does not provide any official escrow service.
Common Scams to Watch Out For
The "Courier & Fake Receipt" Scam
A "buyer" claims they are out of town and will send a courier (like PickMe Flash, Uber, or a local service) to collect the item. They send a fake bank transfer slip via WhatsApp and rush you to hand over the item. Never release goods until the money actually reflects in your bank account balance.
The "Customs / Airport" Scam
A seller claims an item (often electronics like iPhones or laptops) is brand new but "stuck at Sri Lanka Customs" or the airport. They ask for a small "clearance fee" via eZ Cash, mCash, or bank transfer before they can release it to you. This is always a scam.
The "Too Good to Be True" Scam
You see a late-model car, a high-end smartphone, or an apartment for rent at an unbelievably low price. The seller claims a sudden emergency or says they are moving abroad urgently. They ask for a "reservation deposit" to hold it. Never pay holding deposits.
The "OTP / Account Takeover" Scam
Someone calls claiming to be from "iGo Support" or a telecom provider, asking you to share a 4-digit or 6-digit OTP code sent to your phone to "verify your ad." iGo staff will never ask for your OTP or password over the phone.
Deep Dive: Smart Buyer Checklist (Sri Lanka)
Electronics & Phones
Verify the IMEI number online. If buying a phone, ensure it is TRCSL registered (Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka), otherwise it may not work with local SIM cards (Dialog, Mobitel, etc.). Check battery health, screen touch points, and charging ports. Ensure iCloud or Google accounts are fully removed before payment.
Vehicles & Motorbikes
Always inspect the original CR book (Certificate of Registration) and Revenue License. Check if the engine and chassis numbers match the book perfectly. Request an RMV extract (Department of Motor Traffic) to check for pending leases, absolute ownerships, or unlisted owners. Bring a trusted mechanic to check for hidden accident damage or rolled-back mileage. Ask for recent emission test certificates.
Property & Rentals
Never pay key money (advance rent) without meeting the landlord physically at the property and verifying their NIC. For land sales, always verify the original deeds with the relevant Land Registry (e.g. Bim Saviya system). Request an approved surveyor plan and consult a trusted local lawyer before signing any agreements or transferring advances.
Luxury Goods & Jewelry
For high-value items, request original receipts or proof of purchase. If buying designer wear, luxury watches, or gold, insist on meeting at an official brand boutique or an independent valuer/jeweler in Colombo to verify authenticity and karat weight before paying.
Seller Protection Guidelines
Verify the Buyer for High-Value Transactions
When selling vehicles or property, always ask to see the buyer's National Identity Card (NIC) or driving license to confirm their identity before signing over papers.
Do Not Ship Items Before Payment
Unless using a trusted VPP (Value Payable Post) or cash-on-delivery courier, never ship items out expecting a bank transfer afterward.
Be Wary of Overpayment
If a buyer accidentally "overpays" via a fake transfer receipt and asks you to refund the difference, it is a scam. Check your real balance.
Legal Action & Dispute Resolution
iGo acts swiftly to ban abusive accounts and remove fraudulent listings, but we cannot recover lost funds. If you fall victim to a scam in Sri Lanka, you must immediately:
- Contact your Bank and request them to freeze the transaction or track the receiving account.
- File a complaint with the nearest Police Station or the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) Cyber Crimes Division.
- Report the incident to Sri Lanka CERT (Computer Emergency Readiness Team) at report@cert.gov.lk.
Always collect the seller's/buyer's real phone number, chat history, and bank account details before initiating legal action. iGo will fully cooperate with Sri Lankan law enforcement agencies upon receiving an official court order or police request.
Encountered a Suspicious Listing?
Our Safety Team reviews abuse reports continuously. While advertisers are legally responsible for their content, iGo removes policy-violating listings promptly upon review to keep the Sri Lankan community safe.