AutoFie

Stay safe

Safety tips for buyers and sellers

Last updated: June 2026

AutoFie verifies every dealer with their Ghana Card, but you are still your best line of defence. Follow these tips to buy or sell with confidence anywhere in Ghana.

Deal only with verified dealers

Look for the verification badge before you commit. Verified dealers have provided a valid Ghana Card.

Inspect in person, in daylight

Always view the vehicle in person, in good light. Bring a mechanic friend if you can.

Test drive before paying

A short test drive reveals more than ten photos. Listen for unusual sounds and check the brakes.

Meet in a public, busy place

Choose a fuel station, dealership or police-friendly area. Don't go alone for first viewings.

Use bank transfer, not cash

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Prefer bank transfer or mobile money to a verified business account.

Never pay before you see the car

Deposits before a viewing are the #1 scam. No genuine dealer will demand money to 'reserve' a vehicle sight unseen.

For buyers

  • Cross-check the vehicle's chassis (VIN), registration number and DVLA records.
  • Ask for the original logbook, customs documents (for imports) and service history.
  • Be careful of prices that look too good to be true — they almost always are.
  • Keep all conversation inside AutoFie chat so there's a record if something goes wrong.

For dealers

  • Don't share your personal phone or address until you trust the buyer.
  • Confirm payments have cleared in your bank account before handing over keys.
  • Be wary of buyers who refuse to meet in person or want to ship a vehicle without inspection.
  • Use AutoFie chat to keep proof of the conversation.

Red flags to walk away from

  • Requests to move the conversation off-platform straight away.
  • Pressure to pay immediately or "lose the deal".
  • Sellers who refuse to meet, refuse a test drive, or refuse to show original documents.
  • Payment requests to a personal momo number when you're told it's a registered business.

Report it

See something off? Email autofieghana@gmail.com with the subject Safety report and include the listing link plus screenshots. Our team reviews safety reports first.