Supplied
Daniel Watson, originally from Orepuki in Southland, has started a company called Limbo to help reduce online scams.
A former Southlander took a leap during the lockdown and started a new company to help reduce scams on social media platforms.
Daniel Watson had observed quite a few of his friends during years get scammed when buying something online.
He wanted to buy a pair of guitar pedals online but was hesitant of the hefty price with no assurance if the package would come through, he said.
So, he had been thinking of what could be done to make it safer for buyers and sellers who use the Facebook Marketplace for some time.
READ MORE:
* Facebook Marketplace scams on the rise
* Artist hit by $500 scam warns about the risks of buying on Facebook marketplace
* Stranger lists Auckland man’s car for sale on Facebook Marketplace
Having the free time during lock-down made him realise he wanted to make the jump and see what could be done.
Limbo is the company he created to provide a safe way for a seller and buyer to exchange funds.
“The buyer uploads their funds to the Limbo account, where we hold on to it, and then they can’t get it back without the other party’s permission – so the seller’s permission,” Watson said.
Once the seller see the funds, they will be able to book a courier through the Limbo app.
After the courier has picked the package up and the buyer has received the item, they would have a chance to check it over, he said.
“And once they’re…
