Safety Tips
Stay safe on Vilkkanundo
Vilkkanundo has built-in safety features, but staying safe also requires good judgment. Here's what you need to know.
Meet in a safe public place
- Always meet in a busy, well-lit public location — a mall, coffee shop, or police station parking lot.
- Never invite strangers to your home or go to theirs alone.
- Bring a friend or family member for high-value transactions.
- Tell someone you trust where you're going and when you'll be back.
Protect your money
- Never pay before inspecting the item in person.
- Be extremely cautious of sellers demanding advance payments, UPI transfers, or gift cards.
- If a deal sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
- Prefer cash for small transactions; for large amounts, use a bank transfer only after meeting.
Verify before you buy
- Look for the Aadhaar Verified badge on the seller's profile — their identity has been confirmed.
- Check the seller's listing history and account age.
- Ask for original purchase receipts and warranty documents for electronics.
- Test the item thoroughly before handing over any money.
Keep communication in-app
- Use Vilkkanundo's in-app chat for all initial contact — it's recorded and protects both parties.
- Be suspicious of sellers who immediately push you to WhatsApp, Telegram, or email.
- Never share OTPs, passwords, or banking details with anyone claiming to be a buyer or seller.
- Your Vilkkanundo phone number is only visible to verified buyers — take advantage of this.
Spot and report scams
- Common scam: Buyer sends a fake payment screenshot and asks you to ship before checking.
- Common scam: Seller asks for a 'token advance' before letting you inspect the item.
- Common scam: Listings with stock photos or prices far below market value.
- Report suspicious listings immediately using the report button. We investigate within 24 hours.
Protect your personal data
- Don't include your phone number, address, or personal details in your listing description.
- Use the in-app chat; your phone number stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
- Never share your Aadhaar number or bank account details with buyers or sellers.
- Vilkkanundo will never call you and ask for a password or OTP — that's a scam.
🚨 Emergency
If you feel unsafe during a meetup, leave immediately and call 112 (Emergency) or 1930 (Cyber Crime Helpline). Report the incident to us at support so we can take action.