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Buyer Protection

Shop with Confidence

How IbomMarket helps protect you across marketplace listings, seller stores, and services

Last Updated: 28 June 2026

Ibom Market Global Limited (RC 9165487), Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Our Commitment to You

At IbomMarket, your safety is our priority. We have built multiple layers of protection across our marketplace listings, seller stores, and professional services.

Important: IbomMarket is an intermediary platform that connects buyers with sellers and service providers. We facilitate the connection and may process payments, but we are not a party to the contract between you and the seller. This means you should always exercise due diligence and follow our safety guidelines.

How We Protect You

Seller Verification

Identity checks (e.g. phone, email, and where available NIN/BVN verification). Look for the verified badge before you transact.

Listing Moderation

We use automated and manual moderation to look for scam patterns, prohibited items, fake images, and policy violations.

Secure Payments

Card payments are processed by Monnify, a CBN-licensed, PCI-DSS-compliant payment processor; we never store your card details.

Dispute Support

If a transaction goes wrong, our team offers best-effort mediation through the Dispute Centre. As an intermediary, IbomMarket does not hold your funds in escrow, so always inspect items and verify the seller before paying.

Easy Reporting & Disputes

One-click reporting on any listing or user. Dedicated Dispute Centre for formal complaint resolution with evidence submission.

Data Protection

Your data is encrypted in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and at rest, with NDPA 2023 compliance and your right to data access, deletion, and portability. Contact our Data Protection Officer at [email protected].

Secure Messaging

In-app messaging keeps conversations on record. Ability to block and report users. Message records available for dispute resolution.

Protection by Transaction Type

General Marketplace Purchases

  • - Inspect items in person before paying (for in-person transactions)
  • - For online orders: review listing details, seller reviews, and verification status
  • - File return requests for items that don't match the description
  • - Report sellers for misrepresentation, counterfeit goods, or fraud
  • - Contact-only categories (vehicles, property, jobs): extra caution advised; meet in safe, public locations

Professional Services

  • - Review service provider ratings, reviews, and verification status
  • - Get written quotes through platform messaging before committing
  • - Report service providers who fail to deliver on agreed terms
  • - File disputes for incomplete, substandard, or misrepresented services
  • - Service providers are independent professionals, not IbomMarket employees

Before You Buy - Checklist

Check the seller profile

Look at verification status, ratings, reviews, and how long they've been on the platform. Verified sellers are more trustworthy.

Examine photos carefully

Are they real photos or stock images? Ask for additional photos or video if needed. Check for AI-enhanced vs actual product quality.

Read the full description

Make sure you understand exactly what you're getting. For services, check the scope of work before committing.

Compare prices

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Check similar listings to gauge fair pricing.

Communicate through the platform

Keep messages on IbomMarket for your records. Be wary of sellers pushing you to communicate off-platform.

Review cancellation and refund terms

For paid orders, understand the cancellation and refund policy before committing.

Use secure payment methods

When paying online, use the Platform's Monnify integration. Never send money via direct bank transfer to unverified sellers.

Plan safe in-person meetings

Meet in public places during daylight. Bring someone for high-value transactions. Inspect before paying.

Warning Signs - Red Flags

Be cautious if you encounter any of these:

Price significantly below market value
Seller demands payment before meeting/delivery
Pressure to "act now" or "deal ends today"
Request for unusual payment methods (crypto, gift cards)
Seller refuses to meet in person or video call
Vague, inconsistent, or copy-pasted descriptions
Stock photos instead of real product photos
New unverified account with no history
Seller pushes conversation off-platform (WhatsApp, Telegram)
Request for personal financial information (PIN, BVN, bank password)

If Something Goes Wrong

Step 1: Contact the Seller

Reach out through platform messaging to try to resolve the issue directly. Many problems are misunderstandings that can be fixed.

Step 2: File a Dispute or Return Request

Use the Dispute Centre to file a formal complaint with evidence (photos, screenshots, messages). For orders, use the Return Request feature.

Step 3: IbomMarket Investigation

Our trust and safety team reviews disputes, examines evidence, and may contact both parties. Outcomes may include refund recommendation, listing removal, or account action against the offending party.

Step 4: Report to Authorities (If Needed)

For fraud or criminal activity, file a report with the Nigeria Police or EFCC. We can provide transaction records and communication logs as evidence when legally required.

Limitations

While we work hard to maintain a safe platform, please understand:

  • We cannot guarantee the quality, safety, legality, or fitness of items or services
  • We are not responsible for transactions that occur off-platform
  • We cannot unilaterally force sellers to provide refunds (though we can take action against their account)
  • We cannot recover money lost in scams or fraud (but we can ban offenders and support police investigations)
  • AI moderation may not catch every violation; human reports help us improve
  • Sellers and service providers are independent businesses, not IbomMarket employees
  • We may provide information to law enforcement as required by Nigerian law

Your best protection is vigilance. Follow our safety tips, verify before paying, and trust your instincts.

Need Help?

Our trust and safety team is available to assist with any concerns.