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Pay on delivery: how to buy online without getting scammed

How to buy online in Nigeria without losing money: pay on delivery, checks and safe ways to pay.

Updated October 2026
Quick answerPay on delivery is the safest option. When the vendor insists on payment first, check their number and account on Plugg, ask for a live video, and pay a small deposit instead of the full amount.

Step by step

  1. Ask for pay on delivery first.
  2. If not, check the number and account on Plugg.
  3. Ask for a live video of the item.
  4. Pay a small deposit, the rest on delivery.
  5. Keep every receipt and chat.

Why honest vendors ask for payment first

Some genuine vendors were burned by fake orders. A small deposit is fair. Full payment for a big item from a stranger is risky.

Check a number for free

Paste any WhatsApp number or account number and see if Nigerians reported it.

Check a number

Questions people ask

Is a deposit safe?

Safer than full payment. Only send it after checking the number and account.

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How to know if a vendor is a scammer in NigeriaCheck if a WhatsApp number is a scam (free)How to know a fake Instagram vendor in NigeriaWarning signs a WhatsApp number belongs to a scammer
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