Shop, Book & Order with Confidence
How IbomMarket protects you across all transaction types - marketplace purchases, hotel bookings, food orders, and services
Last Updated: March 27, 2026
Our Commitment to You
At IbomMarket, your safety is our priority. We have built multiple layers of protection across all of our services - general marketplace, hotel bookings, food ordering, and professional services.
Important: IbomMarket is a platform that connects buyers with sellers, hosts, restaurants, and service providers. For most transactions, we facilitate the connection and may process payments, but we are not a direct party to the contract between you and the seller. This means you should always exercise due diligence and follow our safety guidelines.
How We Protect You
Seller Verification
Multi-level verification through phone, email, NIN, BVN, and biometric checks. Look for the verified badge. Hotels and restaurants require verification.
AI-Powered Moderation
Automated systems scan every listing for scam patterns, prohibited items, fake images, and policy violations before they go live.
Secure Payments
Online payments processed through Monnify (CBN-regulated). PCI-DSS compliant. Your card details are never stored on our servers.
Safe Deal (Escrow)
For transactions involving significant amounts, IbomMarket offers a Safe Deal (Escrow) option. When using Safe Deal, your payment is held securely by our CBN-regulated payment partner until you confirm receipt and satisfaction with the item. The seller only receives payment after you approve. We recommend using Safe Deal for any purchase above ₦50,000 or when buying from a new seller. Safe Deal is available on eligible product categories — look for the ‘Safe Deal (Escrow)’ button on the product page.
Easy Reporting & Disputes
One-click reporting on any listing or user. Dedicated Dispute Centre for formal complaint resolution with evidence submission.
Data Protection
End-to-end encryption, NDPA 2023 compliance, designated Interim Data Protection Officer, and your right to data access, deletion, and portability.
Secure Messaging
In-app messaging keeps conversations on record. Ability to block and report users. Message records available for dispute resolution.
Protection by Transaction Type
General Marketplace Purchases
- - Inspect items in person before paying (for in-person transactions)
- - For online orders: review listing details, seller reviews, and verification status
- - File return requests for items that don't match the description
- - Report sellers for misrepresentation, counterfeit goods, or fraud
- - Contact-only categories (vehicles, property, jobs): extra caution advised; meet in safe, public locations
Hotel & Accommodation Bookings
- - Hotels require seller verification to list on the platform
- - Review property photos, amenities, and guest reviews before booking
- - Cancellation policies are clearly displayed at booking time
- - Verification codes protect pay-at-location bookings
- - File a dispute if the accommodation materially differs from the listing
- - Report safety issues, hygiene concerns, or misrepresentation
Restaurant & Food Orders
- - Restaurants require verification and compliance with food safety standards
- - Real-time order tracking from preparation to delivery
- - Report issues with food quality, incorrect items, or missing orders
- - Dispute resolution for orders that arrive late, damaged, or wrong
- - Request refund or replacement for significantly incorrect or unsafe food
- - Review and rate restaurants to help other buyers make informed choices
Professional Services
- - Review service provider ratings, reviews, and verification status
- - Get written quotes through platform messaging before committing
- - Report service providers who fail to deliver on agreed terms
- - File disputes for incomplete, substandard, or misrepresented services
- - Service providers are independent professionals, not IbomMarket employees
Before You Buy - Checklist
Check the seller profile
Look at verification status, ratings, reviews, and how long they've been on the platform. Verified sellers are more trustworthy.
Examine photos carefully
Are they real photos or stock images? Ask for additional photos or video if needed. Check for AI-enhanced vs actual product quality.
Read the full description
Make sure you understand exactly what you're getting. For hotels: check amenities, for food: check portions, for services: check scope.
Compare prices
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Check similar items, properties, or restaurants to gauge fair pricing.
Communicate through the platform
Keep messages on IbomMarket for your records. Be wary of sellers pushing you to communicate off-platform.
Review cancellation and refund terms
For bookings and orders, understand the cancellation policy before committing.
Use secure payment methods
When paying online, use the Platform's Monnify integration. Never send money via direct bank transfer to unverified sellers.
Plan safe in-person meetings
Meet in public places during daylight. Bring someone for high-value transactions. Inspect before paying.
Warning Signs - Red Flags
Be cautious if you encounter any of these:
If Something Goes Wrong
Step 1: Contact the Seller/Host/Restaurant
Reach out through platform messaging to try to resolve the issue directly. Many problems are misunderstandings that can be fixed.
Step 2: File a Dispute or Return Request
Use the Dispute Centre to file a formal complaint with evidence (photos, screenshots, messages). For orders, use the Return Request feature.
Step 3: IbomMarket Investigation
Our trust and safety team reviews disputes, examines evidence, and may contact both parties. Outcomes may include refund recommendation, listing removal, or account action against the offending party.
Step 4: Report to Authorities (If Needed)
For fraud or criminal activity, file a report with the Nigeria Police or EFCC. We can provide transaction records and communication logs as evidence when legally required.
Limitations
While we work hard to maintain a safe platform, please understand:
- We cannot guarantee the quality, safety, legality, or fitness of items, accommodations, food, or services
- We are not responsible for transactions that occur off-platform
- We cannot unilaterally force sellers to provide refunds (though we can take action against their account)
- We cannot recover money lost in scams or fraud (but we can ban offenders and support police investigations)
- AI moderation may not catch every violation; human reports help us improve
- Service providers, hosts, and restaurant operators are independent businesses, not IbomMarket employees
- We may provide information to law enforcement as required by Nigerian law
Your best protection is vigilance. Follow our safety tips, verify before paying, and trust your instincts.
Need Help?
Our trust and safety team is available to assist with any concerns.