Art Soko — Staying Safe

Last Updated: October 2026

Buying or selling art with someone you've met online carries real risks. These habits help keep you safe.

Our safety rule

Never send money, including by M-Pesa, before inspecting the artwork in person. Pay on delivery or at collection, only once you've seen the piece and are happy with it.

Art Soko will never ask you to send money through chat, and never asks for your M-Pesa PIN or passwords. Anyone claiming to be Art Soko and asking for money is a scammer — report them.

For buyers

• Meet in a busy public place during the day, or bring someone with you.
• Check that the artwork matches the photos, description and size before paying.
• Be wary of anyone who pushes you to pay quickly, offers a price that seems too good to be true, or asks you to move the conversation off the app.

For artists

• Hand over artwork only once payment has been made in person.
• Meet in a public place, and tell someone where you're going.
• Don't share your home address in chat. Agree on a public meeting point instead, and only share your location when you're already there or on your way.

Protect your personal information

• You don't need to share your ID number, bank details or M-Pesa PIN with anyone. Never share your PIN.
• Your email address and phone number are never shown on your profile. Share them only if you choose to.
• Keep conversations inside Art Soko (chat or Art Soko calls), so there is a record if something goes wrong and you need to report it. Art Soko calls keep your phone number private.
• Nobody from Art Soko will ever call you to ask for money, your M-Pesa PIN or a password.

If something goes wrong

• Use Report on the artwork, profile or message.
• Use Block to stop someone messaging or calling you.
• If you're in danger or have been the victim of a crime, contact the police.
• Email us at [email protected].

Art Soko is only for people aged 18 or older.