TL;DR: Kijiji is safe enough if you deal locally, meet in public, inspect before paying and keep messages on the platform. Scams to watch: “free shipping” that turns into fees (Kijiji’s example: a $200 fee before a puppy ships), untraceable payments like Western Union and MoneyGram, fake e-Transfer “deposit” notifications and overpayment refund tricks. Kijiji calls cash the most secure payment method for in-person deals.
The scams Kijiji warns about
From Kijiji’s payment scam page and its e-Transfer deposit warning:
- Fake shipping: “free shipping” that suddenly needs “shipping, insurance or processing fees.” Kijiji gives the example of a $200 fee before a puppy ships. (There is usually no puppy.)
- Untraceable payments: Western Union, MoneyGram and similar, especially before you’ve seen the item.
- Fake e-Transfer deposits: a notification that a “deposit” has been sent, sometimes for more than the price, followed by a request to refund the difference (how to spot fake e-Transfers).
- Moving off-platform: scammers push to text or email so Kijiji can’t detect suspicious activity.
Safe buying
- Meet in a public place; many police stations have safe exchange zones.
- Inspect the item before paying.
- Pay cash, or e-Transfer only after you’ve seen the item.
- Be wary of prices far below market.
- Never pay shipping or “holding” fees to a stranger.
Safe selling
- Confirm payment has actually landed in your bank account (in your banking app, not an email) before handing anything over.
- Don’t accept overpayments or refund the difference.
- Don’t share verification codes; the code scam hits sellers everywhere.
- Don’t send items before payment clears.
Rentals on Kijiji
Rental listings attract fake landlords asking for deposits before viewings. See fake rental ads.
If you’re scammed
Report the user to Kijiji, contact your bank, and report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Our marketplace rules guide compares platforms. A free email exposure check shows if your email has leaked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kijiji safe to use?
Yes, if you deal locally, meet in public, inspect items before paying and keep messages on Kijiji.
What is the Kijiji shipping scam?
A seller offers free shipping, then demands shipping, insurance or processing fees, such as $200 before a puppy ships.
Is e-Transfer safe on Kijiji?
Only after you’ve seen the item, and beware of fake e-Transfer deposit notifications.
What payment does Kijiji recommend?
Kijiji calls cash the most secure payment method for in-person deals.
Sources
- Kijiji Help: Avoiding payment scams
- Kijiji Help: Beware of deposit via e-Transfer scams
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre