You Sent Money to a Vendor Online — Now They've Gone Silent. Here's What to Do.

It starts with excitement. You found a deal, negotiated a price, sent the money, and then nothing. No delivery. No response. Just silence.

If this has happened to you, you're not alone. Online vendor scams are one of the most common ways Nigerians lose money today, and the experience can feel both violating and embarrassing. But here's the thing: how you respond in the first few hours can make all the difference.

Step 1: Don't Panic — But Don't Wait Either

The moment you suspect something is wrong, the clock starts ticking. Panicking won't help, but neither will hoping the vendor will magically reappear. Act with calm urgency.

If you paid through your bank (a transfer, USSD, or mobile app), call your bank immediately and report the transaction. Ask them to flag it. If the funds are still in a processing state or haven't been fully withdrawn, there's a chance they can intervene. Every minute counts here.

Step 2: Gather Your Evidence

Before you do anything else, screenshot everything. This includes:

• Payment receipts and transaction references

• Chat history with the vendor (WhatsApp, Instagram DMs, SMS, all of it)

• The vendor's phone number, bank account name and number

• Any product listings, social media pages, or marketplace posts where you found them

Even if you feel embarrassed or angry, this evidence is what will make your report credible. Don't delete anything.

Step 3: Report It

Take your evidence and report to the appropriate channels:

• The platform where you found the vendor, whether that's Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, Jiji, or any other marketplace. Most platforms have fraud reporting features and can disable the account.

• Your bank's fraud desk if you haven't already.

• EFCC or local authorities, especially for significant amounts. Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission accepts fraud reports online and takes financial crimes seriously.

Reporting may not get your money back instantly, but it protects the next person from falling into the same trap.

The Hard Truth About Recovery

We'd love to tell you there's a guaranteed way to get your money back once it's been transferred to a scammer. There isn't. Once funds land in a fraudster's account, they move fast, and so do they. Recovery is possible in some cases, but it's difficult, slow, and not something to count on.

That's why the most powerful thing you can do isn't react. It's prevention.

Why Escrow Exists (And Why You Should Use It)

The entire problem with direct transfers is that you're extending trust to a stranger with no safety net. You pay first, and hope they deliver. Scammers know this is how things work, and they exploit it every day.

Escrow flips the equation.

With Payluk Escrow, your money is held securely until you've received your order and confirmed it's exactly what you paid for. The seller only gets paid when you're satisfied. No delivery, no release. It's that simple.

This isn't just for big purchases. Whether you're buying electronics, clothes, gadgets, or services from someone you met online, escrow gives you the same protection that banks and payment platforms have quietly failed to offer.

Don't Wait for It to Happen to You

Most people only discover they need an escrow after losing money. You don't have to be one of them.

The next time someone asks you to pay upfront before they deliver, pause. Ask yourself if you'd hand a stranger on the street that kind of trust. Then use Payluk instead.

Shop with your eyes open. Shop with Payluk.

Ready to shop without the risk?

Create your free Payluk account today and make your next online transaction one you don't have to worry about. Your money stays protected until you say so.

Download Payluk now on PlayStore or Appstore.