Last week, I nearly lost 800,000 Ugandan shillings to a clever Jiji scammer. What started as a simple laptop search turned into a dangerous game with one of Kampala’s smoothest talkers. Let me share how I outsmarted this conman and what you can learn from my experience.
The Perfect Bait
It all started when my laptop crashed on Monday morning. Just like that – black screen, strange noise, and nothing. With a report due on Thursday, I was desperate. After checking prices at Game and Nakumatt (eh, those ones are too expensive!), I decided to check Jiji.
That’s when I saw it – a Dell XPS laptop, almost new, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, selling for only 800k. The price was suspiciously low, but the seller, a guy called Brian, had several positive reviews. His profile said he was from Najjera but worked in Kololo.
I called the number, and Brian picked up on the second ring.
“Hello, this is Brian. How can I help you?” His voice was friendly and professional.
“I’m calling about the Dell laptop on Jiji,” I said.
“Ah yes, it’s still available. My sister bought it from UK last month, but she already had one. That’s why I’m selling it cheap-cheap.”
He sent additional photos showing the laptop from all angles, including close-ups of the screen and keyboard. Everything looked legitimate. He even shared a screenshot of the system properties showing the specs matched what was advertised.
The Deposit Trap
“I’ve had many calls about this laptop,” Brian explained. “That’s why I need a small deposit of 200k to hold it for you. You understand, brother? People in Kampala aren’t serious buyers.”
When I hesitated, he quickly added, “Don’t worry, we’ll meet at Acacia Mall tomorrow. You can inspect the laptop thoroughly before paying the balance. I’ll even give you a written receipt.”
His confidence was convincing. When he mentioned that someone else had already offered to pay the full amount that evening, I felt the pressure.
“What about 100k deposit?” I countered.
“That works too. Just send it to this mobile money number, and I’ll reserve the laptop for you,” Brian said smoothly.
The number he gave was different from the one we were talking on.
“Why a different number?” I asked.
“That’s my business line. This one is personal,” he explained without hesitation.
The Red Flags
Something felt off, but I couldn’t quite place it. I told Brian I’d call him back in 30 minutes after thinking it over.
During that time, I did something that saved me from being conned – I searched for “Dell XPS laptop” on Jiji and found three identical listings with the exact same photos but different seller names and prices.
I also noticed that Brian’s profile, despite showing “Verified Seller,” was only created two weeks ago. How did he get so many positive reviews so quickly?
Suspicious now, I called my friend Samuel who works at a computer shop in town. I described the laptop and the price.
“That’s impossible,” Samuel said immediately. “A genuine Dell XPS with those specs can’t go for less than 2.5 million shillings, even used. It’s either stolen, fake, or doesn’t exist.”
The Counter-Investigation
Armed with this knowledge, I called Brian back with a plan.
“I’m ready to pay the deposit,” I said. “But first, can you show me the laptop on video call? I just want to see it’s working.”
There was a slight pause. “My battery is low, and I’m not at home right now. But I can send you more pictures if you want.”
“Where exactly shall we meet tomorrow?” I pressed.
“Acacia Mall parking lot,” he replied.
“Which entrance? Can you be more specific?”
Another pause. “Actually, I’ll let you know tomorrow. My schedule is tight.”
I pushed further: “Can you at least tell me the laptop’s serial number? I want to check its warranty status.”
“Brother, I feel like you don’t trust me,” Brian’s tone changed slightly. “If you’re not comfortable, maybe this deal isn’t for you. I have other interested buyers.”
The Final Trick
I decided to play along and see how far the scam went.
“No problem, I trust you. I’ll send the deposit now. Can you confirm your mobile money number again?”
Brian eagerly gave me the number, adding, “Once you send, I’ll mark the laptop as sold immediately.”
Instead of sending money, I told him, “I’ve just sent the 100k. Please check your messages.”
“Let me check,” he replied.
A minute later: “I haven’t received anything yet. Network must be slow. Can you share the transaction ID?”
I made up a random transaction ID and sent it to him.
“That ID format is wrong,” he replied quickly. “Are you sure you sent to the right number?”
That confirmed my suspicions. A genuine seller wouldn’t immediately know a transaction ID was fake. He was clearly experienced with mobile money transactions and scams.
The Confrontation
“Actually Brian, I know this is a scam,” I said. “The same laptop is listed by three different sellers on Jiji with the same photos.”
There was a long silence.
“It’s not what you think,” he finally replied. “I can explain—”
I cut him off: “I’ve reported your profile to Jiji and to the Cyber Crime Unit. I have recordings of our conversations.”
He hung up immediately. When I tried calling back, his number was switched off.
The Aftermath
The next day, I checked Jiji again and found all three duplicate listings had disappeared. But a week later, I noticed a suspiciously similar laptop being advertised by a new profile – likely the same scammer with a new identity.
I later learned from a police contact that these advance payment scams are common on Jiji. The scammers create multiple fake listings, collect deposits from as many desperate buyers as possible, then disappear and create new profiles.
Lessons Learned
This experience taught me several valuable lessons about staying safe on Jiji:
- Never pay deposits or advance payments – Legitimate sellers will wait to meet in person
- If the price is too good to be true, it probably is – Research market values before engaging
- Search for duplicate listings with the same photos
- Check seller profiles carefully – New profiles with many reviews are suspicious
- Insist on video verification of high-value items before meeting
- Verify seller identities – Ask questions only a legitimate owner would know
- Trust your instincts – If something feels off, walk away
The most important thing I learned is that Jiji offers zero protection for buyers. They’re simply a platform connecting sellers and buyers, taking no responsibility when things go wrong.
How to Protect Yourself
After my experience, I followed these steps to finally buy a genuine laptop:
- I visited legitimate computer shops in town to understand fair market prices
- I only dealt with established Jiji sellers who had profiles older than 6 months
- I insisted on meeting at the seller’s workplace or home, not just public places
- I brought a knowledgeable friend to inspect the item
- I paid only after thorough inspection and testing
- I got a proper receipt with the seller’s contact information
Final Thoughts
Jiji can be useful for finding good deals, but always remember that con artists are constantly creating new ways to separate you from your money. Take precautions, trust your instincts, and don’t let desperation cloud your judgment.
Have you ever encountered scammers on Jiji or other platforms? Share your experiences in the comments below to help others stay safe.
Stay smart, stay safe, and don’t let the con artists win!
