Safety & Fraud Prevention

Last updated: June 2026

PaMarket is committed to being a safe platform for Zimbabweans to buy, sell, and find work. This policy explains how we detect and prevent fraud, and how you can protect yourself.

1. Common Scams on Classified Platforms

Be alert to: non-delivery fraud, seller takes payment and disappears without delivering goods; advance fee fraud, buyer or seller asks you to pay a fee upfront to "release" payment or goods; overpayment scam, buyer sends more than the asking price and asks for change back; fake job scams, employer requests fees from job seekers disguised as training, uniforms, or background checks; rental deposit theft, fake landlords collect deposits for properties they do not own; vehicle scams, low prices for cars that do not exist or are heavily encumbered.

2. Warning Signs

Price is significantly below market value without a clear reason. Seller or employer requests payment via Western Union, gift cards, crypto, or wire transfer. Seller refuses to meet in person or provide verification of ownership. Communication switches quickly to WhatsApp or personal email to avoid platform oversight. Employer promises very high salary for unskilled or vague work. Any party asks you to act urgently or secretly.

3. PaMarket's Detection Measures

Automated detection of patterns associated with fraudulent listings. Employer verification before job postings are approved. Identity verification (blue badge) for user trust signals. AI-assisted moderation flagging suspicious listing content. Community reporting, user flags reviewed within 24 hours. Cooperation with POTRAZ and Zimbabwe Republic Police on active investigations.

4. Your Protections

Verified badges (blue) on user profiles indicate identity verification. Business verified badges indicate company registration and ZIMRA compliance. Report any suspicious listing or user immediately using the flag icon. Block any user who contacts you inappropriately.

5. If You Have Been Scammed

Do not pay any more money, stop all further contact. Screenshot all messages, listings, and payment receipts. Email support@pamarketzw.com immediately with full details. Report to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), bring all evidence. Contact your bank or mobile money provider (EcoCash, OneMoney) immediately for a possible chargeback. Report the user in-app using the flag icon.

6. PaMarket's Commitment

We will: investigate all fraud reports within 24-48 hours; permanently ban confirmed fraudulent accounts; cooperate fully with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and POTRAZ; share relevant user data with law enforcement under valid legal process; continue improving our detection systems to stay ahead of new fraud techniques. Questions? Email support@pamarketzw.com