This archive report was first published on 15 August 2019.
On August 15, 2019, a friend in Coast bought an iPhone 6s from a social media seller who claimed to be based in Nairobi. The phone was priced at 20,000 Kenyan shillings, which seemed too good to be true. Despite my warnings about the possibility of a fake business, my friend went ahead with the purchase. However, the seller blocked her number and Instagram account after she expressed concerns about the authenticity of the business.
As it turned out, my friend's experience was not an isolated incident. Many people have fallen victim to fake businesses on social media, and it's essential to know how to identify them.
Red Flags to Watch Out For ¶
1. Lack of Engagement with Clients ¶
One way to spot a fake business is to look for accounts that rarely engage with clients. If the business owners only broadcast updates and content without responding to comments or messages, it may be a sign that they're not genuine.
2. Misleading Information about Links ¶
Be cautious if a business keeps sharing the same link to an item in a short span of time. This could be a sign of a fake business trying to scam you.
3. Requesting Payment Before Delivery ¶
Never pay for a product before it's delivered. If a business owner asks for money before shipping the item, it's likely a scam.
4. No Verification Badge ¶
While not all businesses have verification badges, it's a good indicator of authenticity. Look for the badge on the profile, and be wary of fake badges that appear elsewhere.
