Safety Tips for
Buyers and Sellers
Protect yourself from scams, frauds, and bad transactions. Follow these proven tips to stay safe on Mehfoz.
For Buyers
Tips to ensure you get exactly what you pay for
Always Verify Before Paying
Request a Mehfoz inspection before buying. A small inspection fee can save you from costly mistakes.
Use Buyer Protection
Never send money directly to unknown sellers. Use Mehfoz Buy with Protection for safer payments.
Check IMEI on PTA Portal
Visit dirbs.pta.gov.pk and enter the IMEI to verify PTA status BEFORE paying.
Record Unboxing Videos
Always video record opening the package. Essential evidence if anything goes wrong.
Prefer Verified Sellers
Look for the Verified Seller badge. These sellers have completed identity verification.
Meet in Public Places
For local pickups, meet at busy public places like malls or cafes during daylight hours.
Check Battery Health Live
Before paying, check iPhone Settings, Battery, Battery Health yourself. Do not trust screenshots.
Avoid Too-Good Deals
If the price is 40 percent or more below market value, it is likely a scam.
For Sellers
Tips to attract serious buyers and avoid time-wasters
Accept Payment Before Handover
Never hand over the phone before payment is confirmed. Cash should be counted carefully.
Verify Bank Transfers
Wait for the transaction confirmation message before releasing the phone. Screenshots can be faked.
Meet at Safe Locations
Public places with CCTV like banks, malls, or police stations. Avoid isolated areas.
Bring Someone Along
For expensive phones, do not meet alone. Bring a friend or family member.
Use Mehfoz for Shipping
For non-local sales, use Mehfoz Buyer Protection. Payment is secured, shipping is tracked.
Factory Reset Before Selling
Wipe all your personal data, sign out of all accounts, and disable Find My iPhone.
Get Signed Receipts
For local handovers, get a written confirmation that the buyer received and accepted the phone.
Spot Buyer Red Flags
Avoid buyers who refuse to meet in public, want to swap phones, or push for immediate decisions.
Common Scams to Watch For
Know your enemy. Recognize these scams instantly.
🎭 The Photo Scammer
Trick: Beautiful phone photos copied from other listings or stock images. Phone does not exist.
Protection: Request a video call. Ask for a photo with todays date written on paper next to the phone.
💸 Advance Payment Scam
Trick: Seller insists on advance payment to hold the phone. Disappears after payment.
Protection: Never pay in advance to unverified sellers. Use Mehfoz Buyer Protection.
🔄 The Swap Scammer
Trick: Shows you a working phone but hands over a damaged or fake one wrapped in similar packaging.
Protection: Inspect the actual phone you are receiving. Match IMEI numbers. Open the package in front of the seller.
🚫 The iCloud Lock Scam
Trick: iPhone seems to work but is linked to sellers iCloud. You cannot use it without their password.
Protection: Have the seller sign out of iCloud in front of you. Restart the phone and verify it is not asking for their Apple ID.
📵 The PTA Block Scam
Trick: Non-PTA phone sold as PTA approved. Works for a few days, then carriers block it.
Protection: Check IMEI on official PTA portal before paying. Get PTA documentation from seller.
💰 Fake Bank Transfer
Trick: Buyer shows fake transaction confirmation screenshot. Phone is handed over before money actually arrives.
Protection: Wait for the official SMS or call your bank to confirm the deposit before releasing the phone.
🚨 Red Flags to Avoid
If you see these, walk away immediately
Need to Report an Issue?
Encountered a scam, fraud, or suspicious activity? Mehfoz takes safety seriously. Report immediately.