Vinted users have been given a serious heads-up about potential scams on the app which could lead to money losses.
With the surge in popularity of pre-loved attire, platforms like Vinted and Depop are finding themselves increasingly targeted by scammers.
Those enjoying the trend of offloading their wardrobe treasures need to be wary of issues such as product liability and delivery mishaps, putting them at risk of losing money. The increasing instance of scams has left many sellers vulnerable.
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Experts from Bionic’s insurance division are advising those who sell on second-hand marketplaces, including Vinted, to consider insurance options as a precaution amidst the booming thrift market.
An alarming example spread on TikTok by @imtheproblem recounted her sister’s loss after a pricey designer bag she sold went missing in transit, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Her post cautioned others with: “A quick google / tiktok search will show this is unfortunately a common occurrence” and highlighted the need for awareness with “vinted are unfortunately losing many peoples designer items.”
The comments section echoed with similar tales of woe, with one person claiming, “Me too, I lost my Gucci bag,” while another lamented over a misplaced Vivienne Westwood handbag that had disappeared for six weeks.
One individual shared their experience of loss stating: “I sold my engagement dress which was quite expensive, the tracking showed that it got delivered but the buyer claimed that she did not receive it and does not recognise the picture as proof, vinted refunded the buyer and I lost my dress and the money. They said they can’t help me any further.”
On the video-sharing platform TikTok, user @depopdrama recounted an incident where a seller dispatched designer eyewear only for the buyer to remove the glasses from the parcel, claim they were missing from the package, and demand a full refund, consequently leaving the seller without both their item and payment.
Vinted, through a spokesperson, confirmed that the issue involving the TikToker has been sorted out, adding: “Vinted handles all items sent in via its Item Verification service with the utmost care and every item and its accompanying pieces are meticulously tracked and logged at every stage of the transaction, so we can always account for an item’s status and whereabouts at any time.
“If an item is lost in transit or at our Verification Hub, members will be entitled to a full refund as per Vinted’s Refund Policy and Terms and Conditions.
“If members have any concerns about their items, Member Support can be reached directly via the app for a personal investigation into their case.”
Furthermore, Laura Court-Jones of Bionic’s insurance team, offered advice for sellers using Vinted or similar marketplace apps.
Take out insurance
To safeguard themselves beyond the protection limitations of second-hand selling platforms, sellers might want to consider additional insurance options that cover product liability and delivery issues, ensuring they’re not left out of pocket.
For instance, Goods-in-Transit Insurance provides compensation for parcels lost or damaged during shipping, offering peace of mind beyond platform protections.
Use tracked shipping
Employing tracked shipping enables sellers to oversee the delivery process and confirm when an item has been delivered, providing a clear record in case of disputes.
This offers an extra layer of protection, ensuring both the seller and buyer can verify the item’s location at each delivery stage.
Take photos and document items
Taking photographs and documenting each item before shipping creates proof of its condition and authenticity, which can be used to resolve disputes if buyers claim damage or misrepresentation.
This additional step protects sellers by providing visual evidence to counter ‘false’ claims or fraudulent refund requests.
Be more vigilant
It’s also prudent for sellers to familiarise themselves with common buyer scams, such as claims of missing or damaged items, to better recognise fraudulent tactics.
Being alert to these schemes can help sellers avoid losing both their product and payment by preparing for potential disputes.