Used phones move fast in Lagos — and so do scams. Blacklisted IMEIs, “FaceTime works” lies, and payment-before-meetup traps are common across Computer Village rumours and WhatsApp broadcasts. Here is a tighter process that works whether you are in Ikeja, Lekki, Surulere or the Island.
Prefer in-app payment over street cash
On Zweka, pay through checkout so funds are held until you confirm the handset matches the listing. Avoid sellers who insist on bank transfer only, especially for high-value phones. The held payment model is explained in how Zweka holds your payment. If someone pushes you off-platform, treat it as a warning and skim spot scam listings.
Before you pay
- Confirm the exact model, storage and colour.
- Ask whether the phone is carrier-locked or iCloud/Google locked.
- Check seller verification and ratings on their shop — verified sellers went through identity checks.
- Read the condition notes for screen, battery health and water damage.
- Compare asking price against similar units on phone search.
At meetup or on delivery
- Power on and check Settings → About for model and storage.
- Test call, camera, biometrics and charging.
- For iPhones, confirm Find My is off and the seller can sign out.
- Compare IMEI if the listing shared one.
- Check for bent frames, swollen batteries and ghost touch.
If anything differs from the listing, do not confirm — open a dispute with photos. Keep evidence in the order chat so our team can review quickly. More on delivery choices: meetup vs courier.
Red flags
- Price far below market with urgency pressure.
- Refusal to use Zweka payment.
- “My brother will bring it” with a different person at meetup.
- No clear photos of the actual unit.
- Seller only wants to chat on WhatsApp and never on Zweka Messages.
Lagos-specific tips
Computer Village and roadside stalls can still be legitimate — but they do not give you held payment. If you meet a Zweka seller in Lagos after paying in-app, you get inspection plus a platform record. If you buy cash-only on the street, you are on your own for blacklists and lockouts. For furniture-sized accessories (desks, chair setups) pair phone shopping with used furniture tips when you are furnishing a desk setup.
Browse phones near you
Start with Electronics on Zweka and filter to your area. Pair that with our guide to how Zweka holds payment before you pay. Sellers clearing stock can also list a phone after verification. Questions? Help and About are good next stops.
