Safety Tips

Protect yourself when buying, renting, or selling property across East Africa. Read these tips before every transaction.

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For Buyers & Renters

Always verify ownership documents before making any payment. Ask for the title deed, land certificate, or tenancy agreement and cross-check with the relevant government office.

Meet in a public place first. Before visiting a property, meet the seller in a café, mall, or public office. Never go alone to an unfamiliar location.

Never pay before viewing. Any seller asking for money before you've physically seen the property is a red flag. Rova recommends viewing in person first.

Use a lawyer for title deed transfers. Always engage a licensed advocate to handle conveyancing. This protects you from fraudulent title transfers.

Check the seller's verification badge. Look for the Trusted Agent (🏆) or Verified (✅) badge on every listing. These sellers have passed Rova's ID and document verification.

Ask for a receipted payment. All payments should come with official receipts on company letterhead. Keep copies of all financial transactions.

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For Sellers & Agents

Get verified before listing. Verified and Trusted Agent sellers receive significantly more inquiries and buyer trust. Apply free at rovamarketplace.com/verified.

Only share your WhatsApp during official inquiry. Don't post your full phone number publicly on social media alongside listing links — use the Rova inquiry system.

Beware of fake buyers. If a "buyer" sends you money first and then asks you to refund the difference, it's a scam. Legitimate buyers don't overpay.

Confirm identity of serious buyers. Before handing over keys or title documents, verify the buyer's ID and ensure all payments clear your bank account.

Common Scam Red Flags

Price is significantly below market rate
Seller claims to be abroad / overseas
Pressure to pay immediately or "lose the deal"
Payment requested via M-Pesa to personal number only
Refuses to meet in person or do video call
No official documents available for inspection
Photos look like stock images or other listings
Different person shows up to the viewing
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Seen a suspicious listing?

Report it and our team will investigate within 24 hours. Help keep Rova safe for everyone.

Report a Scam

🆘 Emergency & Legal Contacts

Kenya — DCI Fraud Unit
0800 722 203 (toll free)
Tanzania — Police
+255 22 211 7765
Uganda — CID
+256 41 423 5887
Rwanda — RNP
112 (emergency)
Rova Support
Email