At BikriBD, your safety matters to us. The vast majority of buyers and sellers on our platform are genuine, but as with any marketplace, it pays to stay alert. The guidance below will help you buy and sell safely, avoid common scams, and protect both yourself and your money. Please take a few minutes to read it before your next transaction.
Remember: BikriBD is a platform that connects buyers and sellers. We are not involved in the actual transaction between users. Staying safe is in your hands, and these tips are here to help.
1. Meeting in Person
Most deals on BikriBD happen face to face. A few simple precautions make these meetings far safer.
- Always meet in a public, well-populated place such as a shopping centre, busy market, or café;
- Meet during daylight hours whenever possible;
- Take a friend or family member with you, especially for high-value items;
- Tell someone you trust where you are going, who you are meeting, and when you expect to be back;
- Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, walk away from the deal.
Avoid inviting strangers to your home or visiting an unfamiliar address alone, particularly for expensive items.
2. Inspect Before You Pay
Never pay for an item you have not seen and checked in person.
- Examine the item carefully and confirm it matches the description and photos in the ad;
- Test electronics, vehicles, and appliances to make sure they work properly before paying;
- For valuable items, ask to see receipts, warranty cards, or ownership documents;
- Do not feel pressured to complete a deal quickly — a genuine seller will give you time to inspect.
If a seller refuses to let you inspect the item before payment, treat it as a warning sign.
3. Handle Payments Safely
Money is where most scams happen, so handle it with care.
- Whenever possible, pay in cash only after you have seen and inspected the item;
- Be extremely cautious about sending advance payments, deposits, or "booking fees" to someone you have not met;
- Never transfer money through bKash, Nagad, bank transfer, or any other channel just to "reserve" an item or prove you are a serious buyer;
- Never share your OTP, PIN, or account password with anyone — no genuine buyer or seller will ever ask for these;
- Be wary of anyone who asks you to receive money and send part of it back, or who sends a "payment confirmation" screenshot instead of an actual transfer.
If a deal requires you to pay before meeting, stop and reconsider. Advance-payment requests are the most common form of fraud.
4. Recognise Common Scams
Scammers often follow predictable patterns. Knowing them helps you spot trouble early.
- Prices that seem too good to be true. A brand-new phone or car at a fraction of its real value is almost always a trap;
- Pressure and urgency. Scammers rush you so you cannot think clearly or verify details;
- Advance payment for delivery. A "seller" who is conveniently far away and asks you to pay courier or customs charges before delivery;
- Fake payment proof. Forged transfer screenshots or messages claiming money is "on the way";
- Overpayment tricks. A "buyer" sends more than the agreed amount and asks you to refund the difference;
- Phishing links. Messages or links asking you to log in or enter card and account details on a fake page.
When in doubt, slow down. A genuine party will not mind you taking time to verify.
5. Protect Your Personal Information
Share only what is necessary to complete a deal.
- Do not share sensitive details such as your full bank account number, card details, passwords, or OTPs;
- Keep conversations on the platform where possible until you trust the other person;
- Be cautious about sharing your home address until a deal is confirmed and you feel comfortable;
- Use a strong, unique password for your BikriBD account and never share your login details.
The less personal information you expose, the safer you are.
6. Tips for Buyers
- Compare similar listings to judge whether a price is realistic;
- Ask clear questions and request additional photos before committing;
- Confirm the item's condition, age, and any faults in writing;
- Inspect and test before you pay;
- Walk away from any deal that relies on advance payment or feels rushed.
7. Tips for Sellers
- Confirm you have received full payment before handing over your item;
- Be cautious of buyers who "overpay" and ask for a refund of the difference;
- Do not rely on screenshots as proof of payment — verify the money is actually in your account;
- Arrange to meet in a safe, public place rather than sharing your home address with strangers;
- Be wary of buyers who insist on unusual payment methods or third-party "agents".
8. Category-Specific Advice
Vehicles
Verify registration and ownership documents, check that the engine and chassis numbers match the papers, and consider having a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before you pay.
Property and Rentals
Visit the property in person and meet the owner or a verified agent. Never pay a deposit or advance rent for a place you have not seen, and be cautious of unusually cheap listings that demand quick booking payments.
Jobs and Services
Be sceptical of any "job offer" that asks you to pay a fee for registration, training, or materials before you start. Genuine employers do not ask candidates to send money.
9. Report Suspicious Activity
If you come across a suspicious listing, a scam attempt, or a user behaving dishonestly, please report it to us. Your reports help keep BikriBD safe for everyone.
- Use the report option on the listing where available; or
- Contact our team directly with the details at [email protected].
Please include the listing link, the user's contact details, and a short description of what happened so we can investigate quickly.
Quick Red-Flag Checklist
Be cautious if the other person:
- Offers a price that seems too good to be true;
- Pushes you to pay or decide urgently;
- Asks for advance payment, a deposit, or a "booking fee" before meeting;
- Requests your OTP, PIN, or password;
- Sends a payment "screenshot" instead of completing a real transfer;
- Refuses to meet in person or let you inspect the item;
- Asks you to move the conversation to an unfamiliar link or app to make a payment.
If you notice any of these signs, pause and verify before going any further.
Need Help?
If you have a safety concern or want to report a problem, our team is here to help:
BikriBD.com
Email: [email protected]
Stay safe, and happy buying and selling on BikriBD.
