How To Avoid Getting Scammed On Vinted
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Vinted is great for both buying and selling. However, there are some pitfalls and scammers are becoming quite prolific on Vinted.
This post looks at some ways you can help spot Vinted Scams and avoid losing money.
1. Royal Mail Vinted Scam – Why You Should Avoid Royal Mail Postage As A Seller
One main way people get scammed on Vinted is by offering Royal Mail postage when they sell.
Royal Mail postage relies on the buyer saying that they have received the item, whereas, with other couriers such as Evri, this happens automatically once the parcel has been delivered.
While you can contact Royal Mail and ask for the coordinates of the delivery, often if they can see the parcel has been delivered to the correct location they won’t refund, leaving you as a seller out of pocket.
A buyer might message to specifically ask for Royal Mail postage even if you have it switched off as a delivery option.
If this happens, it could be someone looking to scam you, especially as Royal Mail is the only delivery option where the seller pays for postage upfront and is then refunded.
Even when you have proof of postage, Vinted tends to side with the buyer and will possibly refer you back to Royal Mail to investigate further, so be very wary of anyone asking you to do this.
As a buyer, I tend to avoid Royal Mail postage as it’s the most expensive delivery option and like most people shopping on Vinted, I’m doing so to save money.
2. Vinted Scams – Asking You To Buy Outside The Vinted App
As with any online purchase, always complete through the genuine website or app.
Anyone asking you to complete a purchase outside of Vinted could be a scammer and you’ll lose your buyer protection if the item is conterfiet or doesn’t get sent.
Be especially wary of anyone offering a higher price if you buy outside the app as it is very likely a scam.
3. If It Seems To Good To Be True, It Probably Is – Beware Of Fake Items On Vinted
Have you spotted a deal that seems too good to be true?
It probably is.
While Vinted is a fantastic place for bargains, especially when it comes to children’s clothing, if someone is selling £200 designer sunglasses for £2, they are likely fake.
Looking for more Vinted advice? Visit my Vinted Hub where I’ve brought together all of my guides on buying, selling and saving money on Vinted.
4. Don’t Get Scammed When Buying And Selling Designer Items On Vinted
If you’re looking for designer items, then it’s probably better to look elsewhere.
While Vinted’s T&Cs state that you can only sell genuine items, that doesn’t stop scammers, or people who have fake items and don’t realise they are fake.
If you’re looking for designer second-hand bags, shoes or sunglasses, finding a reputable website is probably better than looking on Vinted.
Although Vinted has recently added a verification service for designer items, it does cost an additional £10.
However, it might be worth it to prove your item is real before continuing with the purchase.
Finally, be careful when selling designer items on Vinted.
Items are only insured up to £500, so you won’t be fully reimbursed if the item goes ‘missing’ and sold for more than this.
5. Don’t Fall For The ‘I Sent The Wrong Item’ Vinted Scam
This is a common Vinted scam. Here’s how it works.
You buy an item on Vinted, not cheap but around say £20 or £30.
The seller sends the item.
A day or so later the seller messages to say they’ve accidentally sent the wrong item, but don’t worry, they’ll send the actual item in the post ASAP.
The wrong item arrives with you and is something very small and cheap.
You agree the item has arrived (because technically it has) and the seller insists the item you ordered is on its way.
Of course, the real item never turns up but the scammer has your money and you have a small cheap item that you didn’t want.
Use the ‘I have an issue‘ button if the wrong item arrives, don’t wait around as this is what the scammer is hoping for – that you’ll leave it too late while waiting for the real item that never shows up.
6. Broken Or Damaged Items
When an item arrives, you should always check that it’s in good condition and as described.
Of course, there are always going to be unscrupulous sellers out there who send items that aren’t quite in the condition that you would expect.
Always take this up with the seller through Vinted. I think sometimes as items are so cheap sellers hope that you won’t go to the hassle of asking for a refund, especially if you have to return the item to them and pay the return fees.
However, if the item is significantly not as described, you can ask for a refund without needing to return the item.
How To Spot A Scam Seller On Vinted
Random User Name
Scam sellers on Vinted often have completely random user names. It might be a combination of letters and numbers and usually won’t make sense.
Of course, there are lots of scammers with seemingly normal user names but most genuine sellers on Vinted will choose something that represents them and the numbers they choose are often their year of birth of child’s year of birth.
New Account With No Reviews
Scammers will continuously set up new accounts, due to other accounts being closed and to tempt buyers with the free postage that Vinted offers to new sellers.
I would avoid buying from a new seller that has no other reviews, has only listed a few expensive items and is only selling several versions of the same thing.
Everyday sellers on Vinted usually buy a few things before they start selling to help build up their reviews.
The Exact Same Items On Lots Of Accounts
I was recently looking for a new scarf on Vinted and the same brand (which I had never heard of) kept coming up over and over again priced at £35.
Now, that seems like a lot for a scarf, even second-hand.
The more I searched, the more I found the same four or five scarfs listed across several brand new accounts with no reviews, no picture and a weird jumbled user name.
A little research and I found the scarf was a designer brand which retails for over £200. These were almost certainly fake.
If it feels off, then it probably is. Report to Vinted and don’t buy.
Fake Postage Labels
Scammers will often post a picture of Royal Mail label as proof they have sent your item – however, these are often fake.
Look at the weight – does it seem correct for the size of the item?
Did the seller post this proof of purchase within seconds of you buying the item?
These tactics are often used when scammers are selling fake items very cheaply.
Final Tips For Avoiding Scams On Vinted
Here are my final tips for avoiding scams on Vinted:
- Always complete transactions within the Vinted App.
- Keep all emails relating to Vinted purchases – I have an email folder specifically for this.
- Be aware of phishing emails from scammers asking you to update your details or payment method – all official Vinted emails end with @vinted.co.uk
- Avoid using Royal Mail postage.
- Always report to Vinted if there is an issue with your item or if the seller claims to have sent the wrong item.
- Don’t fall for any sob stories asking you to sell an item for less or buy an item because the seller is desperate for money.
I really hope these tips help to stop you from getting scammed while buying and selling on Vinted.
More Vinted Content:
New to Vinted? You can sign up using my Vinted referral link and potentially earn Vinted vouchers when you list 3 items and make your first sale.
Is It Worth Selling Items For £1 On Vinted?
How To Find Cheap Clothes On Vinted
How To Find Free Postage On Vinted
Can You Sell On Vinted With No Printer?
Tips For Buying Kids Clothes From Vinted
Reasons To Shop On Vinted at Christmas
How To Avoid Getting Scammed On Vinted
