Your Safety is Our Priority on Sri Lanka’s Most Trusted Marketplace
Welcome to the Trust & Safety center for Sold.lk, Sri Lanka’s premier free classified website. As the leading platform where you can buy and sell in Sri Lanka with confidence, we’re committed to creating the safest possible environment for all users across our sri lanka marketplace.
Whether you’re posting free ads sri lanka for the first time or you’re an experienced user of our classified ads sri lanka platform, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate transactions safely and securely from Colombo to Jaffna.
Our Commitment to Your Safety
At Sold.lk, we understand that trust is the foundation of any successful marketplace. That’s why we’ve built multiple layers of protection to ensure every transaction on our buy and sell sri lanka platform is safe, secure, and successful.
Our Safety Promise:
- Every user undergoes verification before posting free classifieds
- All listings are reviewed by our dedicated safety team
- 24/7 customer support in Sinhala, Tamil, and English
- Advanced fraud detection systems
- Secure messaging platform for buyer-seller communication
- Comprehensive dispute resolution process
User Verification System
Why Verification Matters
When you sell online sri lanka or buy online sri lanka through Sold.lk, you want to know you’re dealing with genuine people. Our verification system ensures every user on our sri lanka ads platform is real and trustworthy.
Verification Process
For All Users:
- Mobile Number Verification
- SMS verification for all Sri Lankan mobile numbers
- International numbers verified through voice calls
- Required before posting any free ads sri lanka
- Email Verification
- Valid email address confirmation
- Used for important security notifications
- Required for account recovery
- Identity Verification
- National Identity Card (NIC) verification for Sri Lankan residents
- Passport verification for foreigners
- Manual review by our security team
For Premium Sellers:
- Business Registration
- Valid business registration documents
- Tax identification numbers
- Professional verification badges
- Address Verification
- Utility bill or bank statement verification
- Physical address confirmation
- Enhanced seller profiles
- Bank Account Verification
- Valid Sri Lankan bank account confirmation
- Enhanced payment security
- Priority customer support
Verification Status Indicators
- ✅ Verified Phone – Mobile number confirmed
- ✅ Verified Email – Email address confirmed
- ✅ Verified Identity – NIC/Passport verified
- 🏆 Premium Seller – Business verified
- 🏠 Verified Address – Location confirmed
- 🏦 Verified Bank – Banking details confirmed
Safety Tips for Buying & Selling
For Buyers: Safe Shopping Guidelines
Before Making Contact:
- ✅ Check seller verification status and badges
- ✅ Read seller reviews and ratings carefully
- ✅ Compare prices with similar items in your area
- ✅ Look for detailed photos and descriptions
- ✅ Verify seller’s location matches the listing
When Communicating:
- ✅ Use Sold.lk’s secure messaging system
- ✅ Ask specific questions about the item’s condition
- ✅ Request additional photos if needed
- ✅ Confirm availability before traveling
- ❌ Never share personal financial information
Meeting for Inspection:
- ✅ Meet in public places during daylight hours
- ✅ Bring a friend when viewing expensive items
- ✅ Inspect items thoroughly before payment
- ✅ Test electronics and mechanical items
- ✅ Take photos/videos during inspection
Popular Safe Meeting Locations in Sri Lanka:
- Colombo: Majestic City, One Galle Face, Crescat Boulevard
- Kandy: Kandy City Center, Queen’s Hotel lobby
- Galle: Galle International Stadium, Galle Fort area
- Negombo: Negombo Town Hall, Hamilton Canal area
- Jaffna: Jaffna Public Library, Jaffna Central College grounds
For Sellers: Secure Selling Practices
Creating Your Listing:
- ✅ Use clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles
- ✅ Write honest, detailed descriptions
- ✅ Set fair, competitive prices
- ✅ Include your general location (district/city)
- ✅ Specify payment methods you accept
Communicating with Buyers:
- ✅ Respond promptly to genuine inquiries
- ✅ Be patient with reasonable questions
- ✅ Use Sold.lk’s messaging system exclusively
- ✅ Confirm meeting times and locations clearly
- ❌ Never accept payments through unfamiliar platforms
Meeting Buyers Safely:
- ✅ Meet during business hours in busy areas
- ✅ Bring someone with you for high-value items
- ✅ Have the item ready for demonstration
- ✅ Confirm payment before releasing the item
- ✅ Provide receipt or proof of sale
Scam Prevention Guide
Common Scams on Classified Platforms
1. Overpayment Scams
How it works: Buyer sends more money than asking price and requests refund of difference.
Red flags:
- Payment exceeds the agreed amount
- Requests to send difference to “shipping agent”
- Unusual urgency in communication
- Poor grammar or language inconsistencies
Protection: Only accept exact payment amounts. Verify payment before proceeding.
2. Fake Payment Confirmations
How it works: Scammer sends fake bank transfer or payment screenshots.
Red flags:
- Screenshots instead of official bank notifications
- Payment confirmations from unknown platforms
- Immediate pressure to release items
- Refusal to wait for payment clearing
Protection: Always verify payments through your bank before releasing items.
3. Advance Fee Frauds
How it works: Requests upfront payments for shipping, customs, or processing fees.
Red flags:
- Requests for Western Union or MoneyGram transfers
- Demands for gift cards or mobile credit
- Claims of being overseas with shipping complications
- Pressure for immediate payment
Protection: Never pay upfront fees to buyers or for “shipping” services.
4. Rental Deposit Scams
How it works: Fake landlords request deposits without property viewing.
Red flags:
- Refusal to meet or show property
- Below-market rental prices
- Requests for deposits via money transfer
- Claims of being overseas or unavailable
Protection: Always view properties in person before making any payments.
5. Employment Scams
How it works: Fake job offers requesting personal information or upfront payments.
Red flags:
- Requests for bank details or passwords
- Demands for “processing fees” or training costs
- Unusually high salaries for simple work
- Poor communication or unprofessional emails
Protection: Research companies thoroughly and never pay for job opportunities.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
General Red Flags:
- ❌ Prices significantly below market value
- ❌ Reluctance to meet in person
- ❌ Pressure for immediate decisions
- ❌ Requests for personal banking information
- ❌ Poor quality photos or stolen images
- ❌ Inconsistent stories or details
- ❌ Communication outside Sold.lk platform
Verification Steps:
- ✅ Check seller/buyer profiles and verification status
- ✅ Ask for additional photos or video calls
- ✅ Research market prices for similar items
- ✅ Use reverse image search on product photos
- ✅ Trust your instincts if something feels wrong
Payment Safety Guidelines
Recommended Payment Methods
For Low-Value Items (Under Rs. 10,000):
- ✅ Cash on Delivery/Pickup – Safest option for most transactions
- ✅ Mobile Payment Apps – eZ Cash, Dialog eZ Cash, Mobitel mCash
- ✅ Bank Cards – Use contactless payments when possible
For Medium-Value Items (Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 100,000):
- ✅ Bank Transfers – Direct bank account transfers
- ✅ Cheques – Allow clearing time before releasing items
- ✅ Cash – Count carefully and verify authenticity
For High-Value Items (Over Rs. 100,000):
- ✅ Bank Drafts – Guaranteed payment method
- ✅ Escrow Services – Third-party payment holding
- ✅ Attorney-Handled Transactions – For property and vehicles
Payment Safety Tips
Accepting Payments:
- ✅ Count cash carefully in good lighting
- ✅ Check for counterfeit notes (feel, look, tilt test)
- ✅ Wait for bank transfers to clear before releasing items
- ✅ Verify cheque details with issuing bank
- ✅ Keep records of all transactions
Making Payments:
- ✅ Only pay after inspecting items thoroughly
- ✅ Get written receipts for all payments
- ✅ Keep bank transfer confirmations
- ✅ Document serial numbers for electronics
- ✅ Take photos of items during handover
Payment Methods to Avoid
- ❌ Western Union/MoneyGram – Common scam payment methods
- ❌ Cryptocurrency – Irreversible and unregulated
- ❌ Gift Cards – Cannot be reversed or traced
- ❌ Prepaid Cards – Limited protection and verification
- ❌ International Wire Transfers – High fees and scam risk
Reporting Inappropriate Content
What to Report
Prohibited Items:
- Illegal goods or services
- Stolen property
- Weapons and dangerous items
- Drugs and controlled substances
- Adult content and services
- Counterfeit goods
- Live animals (restricted categories)
Inappropriate Behavior:
- Fraudulent listings or scam attempts
- Harassment or abusive messages
- Spam or irrelevant content
- Impersonation of other users
- Off-platform payment requests
- Multiple duplicate listings
How to Report
Reporting a Listing:
- Click “Report this Ad” on any listing page
- Select the appropriate reason from dropdown
- Provide detailed description of the issue
- Include relevant screenshots if applicable
- Submit report for review
Reporting a User:
- Go to the user’s profile page
- Click “Report User” button
- Select reason for reporting
- Provide specific examples and evidence
- Our safety team will investigate within 24 hours
Reporting Messages:
- Open the conversation in your messages
- Click the flag icon next to offensive messages
- Select violation type
- Add context about the inappropriate behavior
- Block user if necessary for immediate protection
Our Response Process
- Immediate: Automated systems flag obvious violations
- 24 Hours: Human review of all reports
- 48 Hours: Investigation and user contact if needed
- 72 Hours: Final decision and action taken
- Follow-up: Reporter notified of outcome
Dispute Resolution Process
When Disputes Arise
Despite our best efforts to maintain a safe sri lanka marketplace, disputes may occasionally occur. Our dispute resolution process ensures fair outcomes for all parties involved in classified ads sri lanka transactions.
Common Dispute Types
Item Not as Described:
- Product condition differs from listing
- Missing accessories or components
- Functionality issues not disclosed
- Size or specification mismatches
Payment Issues:
- Payment not received by seller
- Refund requested by buyer
- Unauthorized payment claims
- Payment method disputes
Delivery Problems:
- Item not delivered as promised
- Damage during seller-arranged transport
- Pickup/delivery miscommunications
- Location or timing conflicts
Communication Breakdown:
- Seller becomes unresponsive
- Buyer changes terms after agreement
- Misunderstanding of transaction terms
- Cultural or language barriers
Resolution Steps
Step 1: Direct Communication (Recommended First)
- Use Sold.lk messaging to discuss the issue
- Remain calm and professional
- Clearly state the problem and desired outcome
- Give the other party 48 hours to respond
- Document all communications
Step 2: Mediation Request
If direct communication fails:
- File a Dispute Report
- Go to your account dashboard
- Select “File Dispute” under transactions
- Provide detailed description of the issue
- Upload relevant photos and screenshots
- Include all message history
- Initial Review (24 Hours)
- Our mediation team reviews the case
- Both parties receive case reference number
- Additional information may be requested
- Timeline for resolution is established
Step 3: Mediation Process
- Evidence Gathering
- Both parties submit their evidence
- Transaction history reviewed
- Message logs analyzed
- Photos and documentation verified
- Mediation Call/Meeting
- Optional video/phone conference
- Both parties present their case
- Mediator facilitates discussion
- Attempt to reach mutual agreement
Step 4: Resolution Decision
If mediation doesn’t work:
- Independent Review by senior mediation team
- Final Decision based on evidence and platform policies
- Action Taken which may include:
- Partial or full refunds
- Account warnings or suspensions
- Seller feedback adjustments
- Platform credit compensation
Resolution Outcomes
For Buyers:
- Full or partial refund when appropriate
- Replacement item arrangements
- Platform credit for future purchases
- Seller account actions to prevent future issues
For Sellers:
- Payment protection for legitimate transactions
- Account verification enhancement
- Dispute outcome reflected in seller ratings
- Support for genuine sellers affected by scam attempts
Legal Considerations
For disputes involving:
- Large amounts (over Rs. 500,000)
- Property transactions
- Vehicle purchases
- Suspected criminal activity
We may recommend:
- Legal consultation with qualified attorneys
- Police reports for suspected fraud
- Consumer protection authority complaints
- Small claims court procedures
Building Trust in Our Community
Seller Reputation System
Rating Factors:
- Transaction completion rate
- Response time to messages
- Accuracy of item descriptions
- Professionalism in communications
- Positive buyer feedback
Reputation Levels:
- 🌟 New Seller – Less than 5 transactions
- ⭐ Bronze Seller – 5+ positive transactions
- ⭐⭐ Silver Seller – 25+ positive transactions
- ⭐⭐⭐ Gold Seller – 100+ positive transactions
- 👑 Platinum Seller – 500+ positive transactions + verification
Buyer Protection Features
Purchase Protection:
- Secure messaging system
- Transaction history tracking
- Seller verification requirements
- 24/7 customer support
- Dispute resolution process
Safety Features:
- Automated scam detection
- Suspicious listing flagging
- User behavior monitoring
- Regular security updates
- Educational safety content
Getting Help and Support
Contact Our Safety Team
Emergency Situations:
For immediate safety concerns or suspected fraud:
- Email: [email protected] (Subject: URGENT – Safety Concern)
- Response Time: Within 2 hours during business hours
- 24/7 Support: Available for verified premium users
General Safety Questions:
- Email: [email protected] (Subject: Safety Inquiry)
- Response Time: Within 24 hours
- Languages: Sinhala, Tamil, English
Dispute Resolution:
- Email: [email protected] (Subject: Dispute Resolution)
- Required Info: Transaction details, user profiles, issue description
- Process Time: 3-5 business days for resolution
Self-Help Resources
Safety Checklist Downloads:
- Buyer Safety Checklist (PDF)
- Seller Safety Checklist (PDF)
- Scam Prevention Guide (PDF)
- Safe Meeting Locations List (PDF)
Video Tutorials:
- How to Verify Users
- Safe Payment Methods
- Spotting Scam Attempts
- Using Our Messaging System
Continuous Improvement
Your Feedback Matters
Help us improve safety on our free classified advertising platform:
- Safety Feature Suggestions: Contact us with ideas for new safety features
- Incident Reporting: Report any safety concerns you encounter
- User Experience Feedback: Tell us how we can improve our safety processes
- Community Guidelines Input: Help us refine our community standards
Regular Safety Updates
We continuously update our safety measures based on:
- User feedback and suggestions
- Emerging scam trends and patterns
- Technology improvements
- Industry best practices
- Legal and regulatory changes
Safety Education Program
- Monthly safety tips newsletter
- Social media safety awareness campaigns
- Community workshops in major cities
- Partnership with consumer protection agencies
- School and university awareness programs
Quick Reference Safety Checklist
Before Every Transaction:
- Verify user’s profile and badges
- Check seller/buyer ratings and reviews
- Confirm item details and asking price
- Plan safe meeting location and time
- Inform someone about your meeting plans
During Meetings:
- Meet in public, well-lit areas
- Bring a friend for expensive items
- Inspect items thoroughly before payment
- Count cash carefully and check authenticity
- Get written receipt for the transaction
After Transactions:
- Leave honest feedback for the other party
- Report any issues immediately
- Keep transaction records safely
- Update your security settings if needed
- Share your experience to help others
Remember: Your safety is our top priority on Sold.lk, Sri Lanka’s most trusted buy and sell in sri lanka platform. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact our support team at [email protected].
Stay Safe, Sell Smart, Buy with Confidence!
Last Updated: January 1, 2025 – Sold.lk – Where Sri Lanka Gets Sold Safely!