Online Safety in Egypt — The Complete Guide
Buying and selling online in Egypt is a great opportunity — but like any marketplace, there are people who try to scam. This guide will teach you how to protect yourself whether you're a buyer or seller.
Key Statistics
| Indicator | Number |
|---|
| Cybercrime reports in Egypt 2025 | +120,000 reports |
| Most scammed category | Phones and electronics |
| Most common scam method | Bank transfer to unknown person |
| Percentage who report | Less than 15% |
Golden Safety Rules — For Buyers & Sellers
1. Meet in a Public Place 🏢
| Location | Safe? | Why? |
|---|
| Shopping mall | ✅✅✅ | Cameras + people + security |
| Cafe or restaurant | ✅✅ | Public place + witnesses |
| Metro station | ✅✅ | Cameras + security presence |
| Police station | ✅✅✅ | Safest option |
| Buyer/seller's home | ❌ | Risky — never go alone |
| Isolated location | ❌❌ | Very dangerous |
2. Verify the Other Person 🔍
- Ask for their full name and phone number
- Check their social media — new accounts = red flag
- Call them before meeting
- On Luulwa — check buyer/seller ratings
3. Secure Payment 💳
| Payment Method | Safety | Notes |
|---|
| Fawry | ✅✅✅ | Documented + payment proof |
| Vodafone Cash | ✅✅✅ | Documented + instant notification |
| InstaPay | ✅✅✅ | Instant bank transfer |
| Visa/Mastercard | ✅✅✅ | Protected + chargeback possible |
| Cash on delivery | ✅✅ | Safe if you inspect the product |
| Bank transfer to stranger | ❌ | Most dangerous — no guarantee |
| Western Union | ❌ | Commonly used in scams |
| Phone credit as payment | ❌ | Classic scam method |
4. Inspect Before Paying 🔎
- Examine the product thoroughly before paying
- Turn on electronics and verify they work
- For cars: get a mechanic inspection
- Compare the product with listing photos
5. Keep Everything 📱
- Screenshots of all conversations
- Payment proof
- Product photos before and after receiving
- Phone number and name of the person
Tips for Sellers
| Situation | Advice |
|---|
| Buyer asks for delivery before payment | ❌ Refuse — ask for deposit |
| Buyer offers more than asking price | ⚠️ Likely scam — this isn't normal |
| Buyer needs it "urgently tonight" | ⚠️ Urgency = red flag |
| Buyer asks to communicate off-platform | ⚠️ Stay on Luulwa — it protects you |
| Buyer asks for your bank details | ❌ Confirmed scam — don't respond |
Tips for Buyers
| Situation | Advice |
|---|
| Price much lower than market | ⚠️ Usually a scam |
| Seller asks to transfer money first | ❌ Refuse — pay on delivery |
| Product photos taken from internet | ⚠️ Ask for real photos with today's date |
| Seller refuses to meet in public | ❌ Don't buy — suspicious |
| "This price is only for one hour" | ⚠️ Pressure = red flag |
If You Get Scammed — What to Do
- Report to police immediately — Internet Investigation Unit (108)
- Report to bank — if transaction was by card or transfer
- Report to platform — if it happened on Luulwa or OLX
- Keep evidence — screenshots, conversations, receipts
- Warn others — share your experience to protect others
Emergency Numbers
| Authority | Number |
|---|
| Internet Investigation Unit | 108 |
| Emergency Police | 122 |
| Consumer Protection | 19588 |
| EG-CERT Hotline | 0800-000-0108 |
Buy and sell safely on Luulwa: Browse the market
Read: Top 10 online selling scams and how to avoid them
