As a way of combating the threat of online frauds on its platform, OLX is planning to launch a new platform which has a Report button. With the new feature, users can flag off suspicious listings or accounts every time they notice them on the platform.
According to OLX, users can now block stubborn buyers or sellers from sending them emails without their permission.
“For instance if a buyer requests for money before viewing an item then the buyer can use the Report button to report a suspicious seller”, said OLX Country Manager for Kenya, Peter Ndiang’ui and further added that, “The safety tips in the site will always remind users to transact safely. This, we believe will go a long way in ensuring OLX users are safe and informed on our platform”.
Furthermore, OLX is also revamping its verification process to add both SMS and email verification in a move to actually identify and verify the sellers on the platform and their inventory. The firm also aims to watermark all photos to make sure they can’t be re-used by anyone else claiming to sell a similar product.
To avoid fraud, the firm is also set to launch an in-app Chat to allow buyers to interact with sellers via instant chat messaging and direct chat with other users who are logged in online or use SMS for those who are offline. The firm expects this new features to make the platform safer and user-friendly.
