Vinted Scams To Watch Out For

Buying on Vinted is something most people love to do. However, there are drawbacks to the shopping app such as scams. There are various different types of scams on Vinted so it’s important to know what you’re looking out for before you make a purchase. You should always be cautious when selling or buying on Vinted as you don’t want to lose money.

We’ve put all of the Vinted scams we can find into this helpful article to ensure you don’t get caught out when using the App. The Vinted app can still be a lot of fun, especially if you’re selling and making money but it never hurts to be cautious on these types of platforms, the same caution you would give to a third party selling website such as eBay.

Vinted Scams UK

Now as Reviewers United is based in the United Kingdom we can only really talk about the Vinted scams in the UK and can’t comment on other countries. However, if the scams are taking place in the UK you can bet they are world wide and it’s still important to keep your eye out for them.

Are There Vinted Scams

Yes, there are scams on Vinted, just like on any online marketplace. It’s important to be aware of the common types of scams and know how to protect yourself. Here are some common scams on Vinted and tips on how to avoid them:

Common Vinted Scams

1. Fake Listings
   • Description: Scammers create fake listings with attractive prices to lure buyers. Once the payment is made, the item is never sent.
   • Avoidance Tips: Check seller ratings and reviews. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
2. Phishing Scams
   • Description: Scammers may send messages pretending to be from Vinted, asking for personal information or login credentials.
   • Avoidance Tips: Always verify the sender’s email address and never click on suspicious links. Vinted will never ask for your password.
3. Payment Outside the Platform
   • Description: Scammers ask buyers or sellers to complete the transaction outside of Vinted’s payment system, often leading to non-delivery of items or non-receipt of payment.
   • Avoidance Tips: Always use Vinted’s in-app payment methods to ensure your transaction is covered by their protection policy.
4. Counterfeit Items
   • Description: Sellers may list counterfeit or misrepresented items as genuine.
   • Avoidance Tips: Ask for detailed photos and proof of authenticity, especially for high-end items. Check reviews and ratings.
5. Refund Scams
   • Description: Scammers may claim an item was never received or is damaged to get a refund, even if the item was delivered as described.
   • Avoidance Tips: Keep all proof of shipment and delivery. Document the condition of items before sending them.
6. Bait-and-Switch
   • Description: Buyers receive an item different from what was listed.
   • Avoidance Tips: Verify the item’s details and ask for multiple photos before purchasing. Report discrepancies immediately to Vinted.

Tips to Stay Safe on Vinted

• Use Secure Payment Methods: Always make payments through Vinted’s payment system to ensure you’re covered by their buyer protection policy.
• Check Reviews and Ratings: Review the seller’s or buyer’s profile, ratings, and reviews before engaging in any transaction.
• Communicate Through the App: Keep all communications within the Vinted app to ensure there’s a record of the transaction.
• Be Cautious with Personal Information: Never share personal or financial information outside of the secure Vinted platform.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter any suspicious behaviour, report it to Vinted immediately. Use their customer support to resolve issues.

Vinted Scams As A Seller

As a seller on Vinted, you need to be aware of various scams that can target you. Here’s a summary of the common scams and how to protect yourself:

Common Scams Targeting Sellers on Vinted

1. Phishing Scams
   • How It Works: Scammers send messages pretending to be from Vinted, asking for login details or personal information.
   • Protection Tips: Never click on suspicious links or provide personal information. Always verify the sender’s email address and communicate through the Vinted app.
2. Fake Payment Confirmations
   • How It Works: Scammers send fake emails or messages claiming that payment has been made, urging you to ship the item before you see the actual payment in your Vinted account.
   • Protection Tips: Only ship items once the payment appears in your Vinted account. Verify payment status within the app.
3. Chargeback Scams
   • How It Works: Buyers make a purchase and then initiate a chargeback through their bank or payment provider, claiming the transaction was unauthorised.
   • Protection Tips: Keep all transaction records and communication within the Vinted app. Use Vinted’s payment system to ensure you’re covered by their seller protection.
4. Return Scams
   • How It Works: Buyers claim the item is not as described and request a return. They may send back a different, damaged, or empty package.
   • Protection Tips: Document the condition of the item before shipping, use tracked shipping, and keep all proof of postage. Communicate through Vinted to have a record of all interactions.
5. Overpayment Scams
   • How It Works: Scammers offer to overpay for an item and ask you to refund the excess amount. The initial payment is often made with a stolen credit card or through a fake transaction.
   • Protection Tips: Never accept overpayments or send refunds outside of Vinted’s system. Stick to the agreed price and use Vinted’s payment methods.

General Tips to Stay Safe as a Seller

• Use Vinted’s Payment System: This ensures you are protected under Vinted’s seller policies.
• Check Buyer Profiles: Look at reviews and ratings to gauge the reliability of the buyer.
• Document Everything: Keep records of item conditions, communications, and shipping details.
• Communicate Through the App: Keeping all interactions within the Vinted platform helps ensure there is a record in case of disputes.
• Stay Informed: Regularly check Vinted’s help section and forums for updates on common scams and new protection tips.

Vinted Scams As A Buyer

s a buyer on Vinted, it’s important to be aware of various scams that can target you. Here’s a summary of common scams and how to protect yourself:

Common Scams Targeting Buyers on Vinted

1. Fake Listings
   • How It Works: Scammers create listings for non-existent items, often at attractive prices. Once the buyer pays, the item is never sent.
   • Protection Tips: Verify the seller’s profile, read reviews, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
2. Counterfeit Goods
   • How It Works: Sellers list counterfeit items as genuine branded products. Buyers receive fake items after paying premium prices.
   • Protection Tips: Request detailed photos and proof of authenticity, especially for high-end items. Check seller reviews for past authenticity issues.
3. Payment Outside the Platform
   • How It Works: Scammers ask buyers to pay outside of Vinted’s payment system, often promising a discount. This bypasses Vinted’s buyer protection policies.
   • Protection Tips: Always use Vinted’s in-app payment methods to ensure you’re covered by their buyer protection policy.
4. Non-Delivery
   • How It Works: Buyers pay for items that are never shipped or delivered.
   • Protection Tips: Use tracked shipping and Vinted’s payment system to ensure you can track the item and seek recourse if it’s not delivered.
5. Phishing Scams
   • How It Works: Scammers send emails or messages that appear to be from Vinted, asking for personal information or login details.
   • Protection Tips: Never click on suspicious links and always check the sender’s email address. Vinted will never ask for sensitive information through email.

Tips to Stay Safe as a Buyer

• Use Secure Payment Methods: Always make payments through Vinted’s payment system to ensure you’re covered by their buyer protection policy.
• Check Seller Profiles: Look at the seller’s reviews and ratings to gauge their reliability.
• Communicate Within the App: Keep all communications within Vinted’s platform to ensure there’s a record of the transaction.
• Be Cautious with Personal Information: Never share personal or financial information outside of the secure Vinted platform.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter any suspicious behaviour, report it to Vinted immediately. Use their customer support to resolve issues.

The Most Popular Vinted Scams To Be Aware Of

Just like any online marketplace, Vinted has its share of scams. Here are some of the most common ones to watch out for and how to protect yourself:

Common Vinted Scams

1. Fake Listings

• What’s the Scam?: Scammers post listings for items that don’t exist, usually at really good prices. After you pay, the item never arrives.
• How to Avoid It: Check the seller’s profile, look at their reviews and ratings, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

2. Counterfeit Goods

• What’s the Scam?: Sellers offer fake items as genuine branded products. You pay a premium price and end up with a knockoff.
• How to Avoid It: Ask for detailed photos and proof of authenticity, especially for expensive items. Check the seller’s past reviews for any authenticity issues.

3. Payment Outside the Platform

• What’s the Scam?: Scammers ask you to pay outside of Vinted’s system, often claiming it’ll save on fees or speed things up, leaving you without buyer protection.
• How to Avoid It: Always use Vinted’s in-app payment methods to keep your transaction safe.

4. Non-Delivery

• What’s the Scam?: You pay for an item, but it never gets shipped. Scammers might even provide fake tracking numbers.
• How to Avoid It: Stick to Vinted’s payment system and choose tracked shipping. Report any undelivered items to Vinted’s support team right away.

5. Bait-and-Switch

• What’s the Scam?: You receive an item that’s nothing like what was described—wrong size, poor condition, or something completely different.
• How to Avoid It: Verify all details and ask for multiple photos before buying. Report any discrepancies to Vinted immediately.

6. Refund Scams

• What’s the Scam?: Buyers falsely claim that they didn’t receive the item or that it was damaged to get a refund, even if everything was fine. Sometimes, sellers send empty or incorrect packages.
• How to Avoid It: Keep all shipping and delivery proofs. Document the item’s condition before sending and communicate through Vinted to have a record of all interactions.

7. Phishing Scams

• What’s the Scam?: Scammers send emails or messages that look like they’re from Vinted, asking for your login details or personal info.
• How to Avoid It: Never click on suspicious links and always verify the sender’s email address. Vinted will never ask for sensitive info via email.