Trade Safely
Six simple rules that protect you on every transaction. Read them once. Remember them every time.
The one rule above all others:
Goods first. Money second.
If a seller asks you to pay before you have the item in your hand — stop. Real sellers wait until you've inspected the goods.
1. Inspect before you pay
Always see the item in person or get clear video proof BEFORE sending money. Photos can be stolen from the internet. A real seller will show you the item.
2. Meet in a public, busy place
Petrol stations, shopping malls, supermarket carparks, or bank entrances. Daytime only. Bring a friend if the item is high-value. Never go to a stranger's house alone.
3. Pay AFTER you have the goods
Cash, mobile money, or bank transfer — only after the item is physically in your hands and you have inspected it. Never send money in advance, even if the seller demands it.
4. Look for the Verified badge
Sellers with a green ✓ Verified badge have shown us their ID and phone number. They are not anonymous. If you have a choice, prefer Verified sellers — especially for items over MWK 100,000.
5. Watch for red flags
Walk away if the seller refuses to meet, demands payment before showing the item, pressures you to decide fast, asks for OTP/PIN codes, or the price is far below market value. These are scam signals.
6. Report anything suspicious
Every listing has a Report button. Use it. We review every report and remove fake or scam listings. Your one report protects 100 other buyers. Reporting is anonymous.
Mobile money: extra care
- →Never share your PIN or OTP code. Airtel Money and TNM Mpamba will never ask you for your PIN by phone or SMS.
- →Confirm the receiver name on the USSD screen before you press Send. Names should match the seller's full name.
- →Screenshot the receipt with the transaction ID visible. Save it for at least 30 days.
- →If you were tricked: dial *247# (Airtel) or *444# (TNM) immediately to dispute, and call the agent. Speed matters.
What Malawi Living Hub does for you
- ✓ Verified sellers — we check ID + phone of any seller who applies for the green badge.
- ✓ Trust scores — every seller has a public score based on reviews and verification.
- ✓ One-tap reporting — every listing has a Report button. Reports are anonymous.
- ✓ Active moderation — we review reports daily and remove scam listings.
- ✓ Public reviews — after a transaction, buyers can rate sellers. Bad sellers can't hide.
- ✓ No payment handled by us — money never passes through MLH. You always control the transaction.
See something suspicious? Report it. Help us keep MLH clean for everyone.
Contact the teamLast updated: 3 June 2026