How to buy from Instagram and WhatsApp vendors without getting scammed
Updated 21 October 2026 · By the Carryofy team, Lagos
The short answer
To avoid vendor scams in Nigeria, don't transfer to a personal account for a stranger's product, check for real reviews and delivered-order proof, and prefer checkouts that hold your money until delivery (escrow). On Carryofy stores you pay through Paystack, the money is held until your order is delivered, and you have 48 hours to report a wrong or damaged item for a refund.
Warning signs of a fake vendor
- Prices far below everyone else's.
- Pressure to pay now, "only 2 left".
- Only accepts transfers to a personal account.
- No delivered-order photos, or comments turned off.
- Refuses to say where they're based or how they deliver.
How escrow-style buyer protection works
Escrow means a third party holds your money until you get what you paid for. The seller is only paid after delivery, so a fake seller gains nothing.
Every Carryofy store works this way: you pay Carryofy through Paystack, the money is held until delivery, and sellers are paid only after the 48-hour return window closes.
If your order is wrong or damaged
- 1Open your order from the tracking link sent to your phone.
- 2Report the problem within 48 hours of delivery and add a photo or video.
- 3For a wrong or damaged item you get a full refund, including delivery.
Questions people ask
Is there an escrow service for online shopping in Nigeria?
Yes. Some marketplaces offer it on some orders. On Carryofy every order is protected: your payment is held until delivery and sellers are paid only after the return window closes.
How do I get a refund on Carryofy?
Report the problem from your tracking page within 48 hours of delivery with a photo. Wrong or damaged items get a full refund to the card or account you paid with.