Physical Meeting Safety Policy

🛡️ Your Safety is Your Responsibility

When meeting sellers or buyers in person, YOU are responsible for your personal safety. The Platform cannot guarantee safe interactions. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself.

1. Platform Role and Responsibility

⚠️ CRITICAL DISCLAIMER

IgetAm Marketplace is NOT responsible for:

❌ Your personal safety during meetings
❌ Any harm, injury, or death resulting from meetings
❌ Theft, robbery, or assault by other users
❌ Fraud, scams, or criminal activity
❌ Property damage during transactions
❌ Any consequences of in-person interactions

All meetings are at YOUR OWN RISK.

2. Mandatory Safety Guidelines

2.1 Where to Meet

SAFE MEETING LOCATIONS

ALWAYS meet in busy, public places with security and witnesses. Recommended locations:

✅ Banks: Security cameras, guards, and safe environment
✅ Shopping Malls: Public, well-lit, with security personnel
✅ Police Stations: Safest option for high-value transactions
✅ Popular Cafes/Restaurants: Busy areas with staff present
✅ Public Parks (Daytime): Only during daylight with crowds
✅ Gas Stations: Well-lit with security cameras

2.2 Where NOT to Meet

DANGEROUS LOCATIONS - NEVER MEET HERE

🚫 Private Homes: Yours or the other party's residence
🚫 Hotel Rooms: Isolated and unsafe
🚫 Empty Parking Lots: No witnesses or security
🚫 Dark Alleys or Side Streets: Dangerous and secluded
🚫 Industrial Areas: Isolated locations
🚫 Remote Locations: Far from help or public view
🚫 Private Offices (Unknown): Unless verified businesses

⚠️ If a seller insists on meeting in a private location, WALK AWAY.

2.3 When to Meet

SAFE MEETING TIMES

✅ Daytime Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (best)
✅ Business Hours: When shops and businesses are open
✅ Weekdays: More activity and security presence
⚠️ Avoid Nights: Higher risk after dark
⚠️ Avoid Early Mornings: Fewer people around
⚠️ Avoid Holidays: Reduced security and crowds

2.4 Who to Bring

NEVER GO ALONE

✅ Bring a Friend or Family Member: Safety in numbers
✅ Bring Multiple People: For high-value transactions
✅ Tell Someone Your Plans: Share meeting details with trusted contacts
✅ Share Live Location: Use WhatsApp or Google Maps location sharing
✅ Set Check-In Times: Have someone expect your return call

🚨 NEVER meet alone, especially for high-value items or unfamiliar sellers.

3. Before the Meeting

3.1 Verify Seller Identity

Request ID: Ask for government-issued ID (driver's license, national ID, international passport)
Video Call: Speak via WhatsApp video to confirm they are real
Check Social Media: Verify their online presence (Facebook, Instagram)
Business Verification: Request CAC registration for businesses
References: Ask for previous buyer testimonials or references

3.2 Confirm Meeting Details

Exact Location: Get specific address with landmarks
Time: Confirm date and time in writing (WhatsApp message)
Product Details: Reconfirm item condition, price, and specifications
Payment Method: Agree on payment method in advance

3.3 Prepare for Safety

SAFETY PREPARATION CHECKLIST

✅ Fully charge your phone
✅ Enable location sharing with trusted contacts
✅ Save emergency contacts (police: 112, family)
✅ Carry minimum cash (exact amount if possible)
✅ Screenshot seller's profile and contact details
✅ Inform someone of your meeting (who, where, when)
✅ Set a check-in time with a friend

4. During the Meeting

4.1 Stay Alert

Be Aware: Observe your surroundings constantly
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong, leave immediately
Stay in Public View: Don't go to isolated corners or back rooms
Keep Phone Accessible: Be ready to call for help

4.2 Product Inspection

Inspect Thoroughly: Check item condition, functionality, authenticity
Test Electronics: Power on and test all features
Check Serial Numbers: Verify against original packaging
Look for Red Flags: Damage, missing parts, suspicious modifications
Compare to Description: Ensure item matches listing exactly

4.3 Payment Safety

💰 PAYMENT RULES:

✅ Inspect BEFORE Paying: Never pay until you've verified the item
✅ Use Secure Methods: Bank transfer with proof, not large cash
✅ Get a Receipt: Written proof of purchase with seller details
✅ Count Money: Verify cash amounts carefully
🚫 Never Share OTP: Don't give OTP codes or bank login details
🚫 No Prepayment: Don't send money before seeing the item

4.4 If Something Goes Wrong

Leave Immediately: Don't argue, just walk away to safety
Call for Help: Police (112), security, or nearby people
Do Not Engage: Don't confront aggressive or suspicious individuals
Document: Take photos/videos if safe to do so
Report: File police report and inform Platform (support@igetam.com)

5. After the Meeting

5.1 Immediate Actions

Check-In: Notify your contact that you're safe
Review Purchase: Test item thoroughly at home
Keep Records: Save receipts, messages, and transaction proof
Report Issues: Contact seller immediately if problems arise

5.2 If You Were Scammed

🚨 SCAM RESPONSE STEPS:

Document Everything: Screenshots, receipts, photos, messages
Contact Your Bank: Report fraud and attempt to reverse transaction
File Police Report: Go to nearest police station
Report to EFCC: Email complaint@efcc.gov.ng
Report to Platform: Email support@igetam.com (we'll remove the seller)
Warn Others: Share your experience on social media

6. Special Considerations

6.1 High-Value Transactions (₦50,000+)

Meet at a bank and complete transaction inside
Bring multiple trusted companions
Request official business location visit
Use escrow services if available (outside Platform)
Consider hiring private security (for very high values)

6.2 Female Buyers/Sellers

Always bring male companions or multiple friends
Meet only in very public, crowded locations
Avoid isolated areas at all costs
Trust your instincts more strongly
Consider meeting near police stations for safety

6.3 Out-of-State Transactions

Exercise extra caution with unfamiliar locations
Research the meeting area in advance
Have local emergency contacts ready
Prefer video verification before traveling
Consider requiring seller to travel to your city

7. Emergency Contacts

📞 SAVE THESE NUMBERS:

Police Emergency: 112
EFCC (Economic Crimes): 0800-CALL-EFCC (0800-2255-3322)
Nigeria Police Force: 08035013000
Lagos State Security: 767 or 112
IgetAm Support: support@igetam.com

8. Legal Disclaimer

⚠️ USE AT YOUR OWN RISK

By meeting other users in person, you acknowledge and agree that:

✓ You are meeting entirely at your own risk
✓ IgetAm Marketplace is NOT responsible for your safety
✓ The Platform does NOT verify user identities
✓ You assume all risks of harm, injury, theft, or fraud
✓ You will NOT hold the Platform liable for any incidents

THE PLATFORM PROVIDES NO GUARANTEES OF SAFETY OR SECURITY.

🛡️ Stay Smart, Stay Safe: Following these guidelines significantly reduces your risk, but cannot eliminate it entirely. Always prioritize your personal safety over any transaction.