I’ll be the first to say that I think Depop is awesome, I buy nearly all my clothes on there. But, saying that, I do also get that if you’re new to the world of reselling platforms then it’s fair enough to be wary of buying from strangers and not a legit online shop.
This is your guide to keeping you safe on Depop, going over both scams for sellers AND for buyers.
Ready? Let’s go.
Is It Common To Get Scammed On Depop?
No, luckily the majority of transactions on Depop are legitimate, however, scams do occur. It’s essential to be vigilant and informed about common scams to minimize your risk of falling victim to them.
Will Depop Refund Me If I Get Scammed?
Depop offers some protection for buyers and sellers through their in-app payment system, for buyers, they have ‘buyers protection. But, for sellers, it gets a little murkier that’s why it’s crucial to follow their guidelines and best practices to maximize your chances of receiving a refund if you fall victim to a scam.
Depop’s official stance on refunds for scams is as follows:
What Happens If A Seller Doesn’t Ship On Depop?
If a seller does not ship the item you purchased, you can open a dispute with PayPal (or your payment provider) to potentially receive a refund. It’s essential to provide sufficient evidence, such as screenshots of conversations with the seller, to support your claim.
Related: Understanding Depop Payments
Common Scams on Depop
Seller Scams
- Item not as described
Unfortunately, there are some Depop sellers who may provide inaccurate or misleading item descriptions or pictures. This can lead to disappointment upon receiving the product, and even financial loss if the item received does not match the seller’s description.
To avoid falling victim to this type of scam, it is advisable to look for detailed descriptions and tagged photos of the product before making a purchase. A reputable seller will usually include several clear images of their merchandise from different angles, as well as information about its condition, size and any flaws.
In addition to examining the product listing carefully, buyers should also feel free to ask questions directly to the seller before committing to buy. If something seems unclear or suspicious about an item’s details in its listing page; reach out and request further clarification from them by sending them direct messages.
Finally, remember that old adage: “if something seems too good to be true,” then it probably is. If you come across an online deal that appears too good for words – like designer clothing at rock-bottom prices – exercise caution before handing over your hard-earned cash.
- Fake or counterfeit items
Counterfeit items are always going to exist in this world and Depop is no different. There are many sellers who attempt to pass off fake or counterfeit products as authentic in order to make a quick profit.
One of the first things you should do when considering buying an item on Depop is to research the brand. If you are not familiar with the brand, take some time to learn more about them and their products. This will help you identify any red flags that may indicate that a product is not authentic.
Another key factor in identifying counterfeit items is authenticity tags. Many brands have specific tags or labels that are attached to their products in order to verify their authenticity. When purchasing an item on Depop, be sure to look for these tags and ensure they match up with what you would expect from an authentic product.
Take the time to do your research before buying anything and ask lots of questions from the seller. If they aren’t willing to help you authenticate the item, then steer clear.
- Phishing and fake payment links
One of the most common and dangerous scams on Depop involves scammers posing as legitimate sellers and sending fake payment links to unsuspecting buyers. These fraudulent links are designed to trick buyers into providing their personal and financial information, which the scammer can then use for nefarious purposes such as identity theft or unauthorized purchases.
To protect yourself from this type of scam, it is essential that you only use Depop’s secure in-app payment system when making transactions with other users. This ensures that your sensitive information remains protected at all times and greatly reduces the risk of falling victim to a phishing scheme.
That’s why it is crucial that you never click on suspicious external links sent by potential sellers or engage in any off-platform transactions outside of Depop’s trusted system. Doing so not only puts your personal data at risk but also violates Depop’s terms of service, which could result in account suspension or termination.
Never ever message anyone off of Depop. EVER!
Buyer Scams
- Chargeback scams
As a seller on Depop, it is important to be aware of potential scams that could harm your business. One common scam that sellers encounter involves buyers falsely claiming that they never received an item or that the item was damaged in order to receive a refund. This can be frustrating and costly for sellers, as they may end up losing both their product and the payment.
To protect yourself from these chargeback scams, there are several steps you can take. First of all, it is essential to use tracked and insured shipping methods whenever possible. This will provide you with proof of delivery and ensure that your package arrives safely at its destination.
In addition, documenting the condition of your items before shipping them out can also help protect you against fraudulent claims by buyers. Take photos of each item from multiple angles so that you have evidence if anything goes wrong during transit or after delivery.
Finally, communication with buyers is key when selling on Depop. Make sure to respond promptly to any questions or concerns they may have about their purchase, and follow up with them after delivery to ensure their satisfaction with the product.
By taking these precautions as a seller on Depop, you can minimize your risk of falling victim to scams while building a trusted reputation among buyers in the online marketplace community.
Related: Top Tips For Selling On Depop
- Payment outside of Depop
As a seller on Depop, it is important to be aware of potential scams that may arise in your transactions. One common scam tactic is for scammers to ask sellers to complete transactions outside of the platform in order to avoid fees. This can include requests for payment through alternative methods such as Venmo or PayPal, rather than using Depop’s secure in-app payment system.
To protect yourself from falling victim to this type of scam, make sure you always use Depop’s recommended and secure payment system within the app. Not only does this provide protection for both parties involved, but it also ensures that all fees are appropriately accounted for and paid.
If you encounter any suspicious users who request off-platform payments or engage in other questionable behaviour during a transaction, be sure to report them immediately to Depop. Reporting these users helps keep the community safe and prevents others from being taken advantage of by fraudulent activity.
By staying vigilant and utilizing Depop’s built-in security measures, you can confidently sell your items without worrying about falling victim to scams or other fraudulent activity on the platform.
- Account takeover
As a seller on Depop, it is important to be aware of the potential for hackers to gain access to your account and use it to scam other users. To protect yourself from these malicious actors, there are several steps you can take.
Firstly, make sure that you are using strong and unique passwords for your Depop account. This means avoiding common phrases or easily guessable information like birthdays or pet names. Instead, consider using a combination of letters (both upper and lower case), numbers, and symbols.
Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication can add an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a second form of verification (such as a text message code) in addition to your password when logging in.
Finally, be cautious of phishing emails that may attempt to trick you into providing login credentials or other sensitive information. These emails often appear legitimate but contain links or attachments that lead to fake versions of the Depop website designed specifically to steal user data.
By taking these precautions and staying vigilant against potential scams and hacks on Depop, you can ensure the safety and security of both yourself as a seller and the buyers who trust you with their purchases.
- Wrong Shipping Address
As a seller on Depop, it’s important to be aware of potential scams that may occur during transactions. One common scam tactic involves requesting an address change after the sale is made. While many requests for address changes may seem harmless, some scammers use this tactic as a way to claim that you sent the item to the wrong address and receive a refund.
To protect yourself from this type of scam, it’s essential to follow Depop’s shipping guidelines and only ship items to the address provided on the receipt. This will ensure that you have proof of delivery in case any disputes arise later on.
Additionally, if a buyer requests an address change after making their purchase, it’s crucial to verify their identity before agreeing to make any changes. You can do this by asking for additional information or documentation such as a government-issued identification card or proof of billing at the new address.
Remember that scammers are always looking for ways to take advantage of unsuspecting sellers, so it’s vital to stay vigilant when conducting business on Depop or any other online marketplace. By following these simple steps and staying alert for red flags during transactions, you can help keep your sales safe and secure from fraudulent activities.
Tips for a Safe Depop Experience
- Read user reviews and ratings
Before engaging in any transaction, check the user’s feedback and ratings to get a sense of their reputation within the Depop community.
Related: How To Gain Followers On Depop
- Use Depop’s in-app payment system
By using Depop’s payment system, you can take advantage of the platform’s buyer and seller protections to minimize your risk of falling victim to scams.
- Communicate with the other party
Open communication is crucial to clarify any concerns and avoid misunderstandings. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and provide the necessary information to ensure a smooth transaction.
- Report suspicious users
If you encounter a user who seems suspicious, report them to Depop. This helps protect the community and maintain a safe environment for all users.
- Trust your instincts
If something feels off about a transaction or a user, trust your gut and proceed with caution. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
