Safety
Contacting an advertiser on WhatsApp without getting trapped
Message templates, useful questions, and red flags for a first WhatsApp contact on a property listing.
6 min read · Updated August 4, 2026
WhatsApp is the most common channel to reach an advertiser in Senegal. It is convenient. It is also where rushing causes the most damage. Your goal in the first message: clarify availability and get facts, not negotiate a payment.
Structure of a useful first message
- Briefly introduce yourself (city of residence, buy or rent project).
- Cite the listing (title or visible reference).
- Ask 3 to 5 precise questions (availability, area, charges, visit).
- Propose a visit or call slot, without talking money first.
Those questions rest on a careful prior read: how to read a listing .
Red flags in the conversation
- Payment request to “unlock” photos or a file.
- Total refusal of a visit or video call.
- Artificial time pressure (“tomorrow is too late”).
- Constant change of contact person without explanation.
For the wider frame, reread safety for remote transactions and the site safety tips page.
Frequently asked questions
The listing WhatsApp channel is enough at first. Avoid sending ID documents without a clear need.
Be wary of deposits before a visit and documents. An unframed early payment is a major risk.
Stop the exchange and report the listing if the content looks fraudulent or misleading.
