Zero Tolerance for Fraud
We investigate every report of fraud immediately. Confirmed fraudulent accounts are permanently banned and reported to the relevant authorities where necessary.
Shoal Marketplace was built on one simple belief — every Bahamian deserves to buy and sell without fear. Here is how we make that happen.
We investigate every report of fraud immediately. Confirmed fraudulent accounts are permanently banned and reported to the relevant authorities where necessary.
Every transaction on Shoal is documented tracked and protected. Nothing happens in the dark. Both buyers and sellers have full visibility of every step.
We protect buyers with our money back guarantee. We protect sellers from fraudulent claims. Our team reviews evidence from both sides before making any decision.
We hold every member of the Shoal community to the same standard. From first time buyers to our top sellers — the rules apply equally to everyone.
Shopping on Shoal is the safest way to buy anything in the Bahamas.
Your money is never sent directly to the seller when you pay. It is held securely by Stripe our payment partner until you confirm your item arrived exactly as described. You stay in control at all times.
Every purchase on Shoal is covered by our Buyer Protection Guarantee. If your item never arrives or is significantly not as described you are entitled to a full refund. No questions asked.
Every seller on Shoal has a public rating and review history that cannot be hidden. You can see exactly how many items they have sold their average rating and what previous buyers said before you spend a single dollar.
Sellers go through our verification process before they can receive payments. We check identities so you always know there is a real accountable person behind every listing.
If something goes wrong our team steps in immediately. We review evidence from both sides and make a fair decision within 2 business days. You are never left alone to fight for your money.
Shoal eliminates the need for dangerous cash meetups entirely. Pay securely online. Receive your item delivered to your door. Stay safe at all times.
Honest sellers deserve protection too. Here is how Shoal has your back.
You never have to worry about bounced cheques fake cash or payment reversals. When a buyer pays on Shoal the money is real and secured. You get paid directly to your bank account via Stripe.
If a buyer opens a dishonest dispute you have the right to present your evidence. We review photos messages and tracking information. Fraudulent buyer claims are dismissed and the buyer faces consequences.
Buyers cannot simply claim a refund without returning the item. For items over $75 a return is required before any refund is issued. We do not allow buyers to keep items AND get refunds except for very low value items.
Your honest hard work builds a real public reputation on Shoal. Higher ratings mean faster payouts better listing visibility and the trust of thousands of Bahamian buyers.
Buyers cannot leave reviews for orders they did not complete. All reviews come from verified purchases only. Clearly unfair or malicious reviews can be reported and removed by our admin team.
Once a buyer confirms delivery or 7 days pass after tracking shows delivered your payout is released automatically. You never have to chase anyone for payment.
These rules exist to protect everyone on Shoal. Breaking them has consequences.
The following items are strictly not allowed on Shoal Marketplace. Listings will be removed immediately and accounts suspended.
Guns ammunition knives marketed as weapons and any related accessories.
Any controlled substances drug paraphernalia or items used to consume illegal drugs.
Any item that was obtained through theft or illegal means.
Fake designer items replica luxury goods or any item misrepresented as genuine.
Any sexually explicit material content or services of any kind.
Living animals of any species. Pet supplies and accessories are permitted.
Any prescription drugs controlled medications or pharmaceutical products requiring a prescription.
Copied DVDs pirated software or any media that infringes on copyright.
Chemicals explosives flammable materials or anything that poses a safety risk in shipping.
Bank account details credit card numbers identity documents or any personal data.
Alcohol may only be sold by licensed retailers with proof of licensing provided.
Any item that promotes hatred discrimination or violence against any group of people.
You are our eyes on the ground. If something does not look right report it immediately and we will investigate within 24 hours.
See a fake listing stolen photos or prohibited item?
Report a Listing →Seller being dishonest unresponsive or threatening?
Report a Seller →Received threatening or inappropriate messages?
Report a Message →Suspect you are being scammed or someone stole your account?
Report Fraud →All reports are reviewed within 24 hours. Urgent fraud reports are prioritized immediately.
Your identity is kept confidential in all investigations.
We take violations seriously. Here is exactly what happens.
First minor violation. Written warning issued via email. Violation noted on account. Account remains active.
Repeated minor violations or first serious violation. Account suspended for 7 to 30 days. All listings temporarily removed. Pending payouts held during suspension.
Serious violations including fraud scamming selling prohibited items or threatening other members. Account permanently closed. All listings removed. Future accounts will also be banned. Pending payouts may be forfeited in cases of fraud.
For the most serious violations including large scale fraud theft identity theft or criminal activity. We will report to the Royal Bahamas Police Force. We will cooperate fully with any criminal investigation. We will pursue civil action to recover losses where applicable.
We believe in second chances for minor mistakes. But we have zero tolerance for intentional fraud and scamming.
The Bahamian community deserves better.
Follow these guidelines to protect yourself on any marketplace.
The safety of young people in our community is our highest priority.
Buyers must be at least 13 years old. Sellers must be at least 18 years old. This is strictly enforced.
All listings must be appropriate for a general audience. Any listing containing adult content or targeting minors inappropriately will be removed immediately and the account permanently banned.
If you ever see content or behaviour on Shoal that you believe puts a young person at risk please report it immediately to:
support@shoalmarketplace.com
Subject line: URGENT CHILD SAFETY
We treat all child safety reports as the highest priority and will respond immediately.
Knowledge is protection. Learn how scammers work so you can spot them immediately.
A brand new iPhone for $50. A luxury watch for $20. If the price is drastically below market value something is wrong. Legitimate sellers price reasonably.
What to do: Check average prices and report suspicious listings.
Seller asks you to pay via WhatsApp bank transfer or cash instead of through Shoal. This removes all your protections.
What to do: Refuse and report the seller immediately.
Buyer sends you a fake screenshot claiming they paid but you cannot see funds in your account. Do not ship until payment is confirmed in your Shoal dashboard.
What to do: Only ship after seeing confirmed payment in Shoal.
Someone contacts you claiming to be from Shoal asking for your password or personal details. Shoal will NEVER ask for your password.
What to do: Ignore and report to support@shoalmarketplace.com
Buyer sends more than the asking price and asks you to refund the difference. The original payment will later be reversed leaving you out of pocket.
What to do: Refuse overpayments and report the buyer.
Someone offers to buy your item at full price with no negotiation but asks for your personal bank details for payment. Shoal handles all payments through Stripe securely.
What to do: Never share bank details with buyers directly.
Real people dedicated to keeping Shoal safe for every Bahamian.
Our Trust and Safety team reviews every report that comes in. We investigate listings that appear fraudulent. We mediate disputes fairly. We remove bad actors from our platform quickly.
We are not a faceless algorithm. We are Bahamians who understand the unique challenges of our community and take our responsibility seriously.
Response Times:
Fraud reports: Within 24 hours
Listing reports: Within 48 hours
Account reports: Within 48 hours
Dispute reviews: Within 2 business days
Child safety: Immediately
support@shoalmarketplace.com
Add URGENT to subject line
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