In a significant move to enhance user security and streamline communication, Seznam has introduced a revamped mobile application for its general classifieds platform, Sbazar.cz. This new application replaces an outdated version that had been in use for over a decade and incorporates the innovative Sbazar Messenger, a feature designed to combat the rising tide of sophisticated scams targeting users.
Enhanced Security Measures
Jakub Rybár, the product manager for Sbazar.cz, highlighted the increasing sophistication of fraudulent activities on the platform. “We’re encountering more advanced fraud attempts. While fraudulent ads used to be written in broken Czech, scammers now write flawless emails, making detection much more difficult,” he noted in a report for Mobilenet.cz. This shift in tactics has prompted Sbazar.cz to take proactive measures, including the blocking of 50-100 suspicious accounts each month.
The introduction of Sbazar Messenger aims to keep all user communication within the platform, significantly reducing the risks associated with fake emails and phishing websites that often lure users through external channels. By centralizing communication, Sbazar.cz is taking a substantial step towards safeguarding its users’ interactions.
Mobile-First Approach
The newly launched mobile application reflects a growing trend in user behavior, with mobile users now accounting for over half of the site’s traffic. The app is designed to offer a comprehensive suite of functionalities, including:
- Account management
- Listing creation and editing
- Integrated push notifications for new messages and responses
As the third most popular general classifieds site in the Czech Republic, Sbazar.cz continues to compete with Bazos.cz and Aukro.cz. Recent data from SimilarWeb indicates that Bazos.cz led with 16.8 million visits in October, followed by Aukro.cz with 6.7 million, while Sbazar.cz recorded 3.4 million visits during the same timeframe.
In addition to Sbazar, Seznam also manages other verticals, including the automotive site Sauto.cz and the real estate platform Sreality.cz, further solidifying its presence in the Czech online marketplace.
