While Vinted is generally a safe platform for buying and selling secondhand items, scams can happen — just like on any peer-to-peer marketplace. Most transactions go smoothly, but users do occasionally come across fake listings, suspicious buyers or phishing attempts. The good news is that Vinted has built-in protections and moderation tools to reduce the risk, as long as you stick to the platform’s rules and keep all communication and payments within the app.
Scams on Vinted typically involve users trying to take a conversation off-platform, pressuring others to use alternative payment methods, or posting listings that are too good to be true. Staying alert to these behaviours is key to avoiding issues.
Is Vinted a Scam
Vinted itself is not a scam. It’s a legitimate and established platform used by millions of people across the UK and Europe to buy and sell pre-owned items. The company is registered, regulated and has its own secure payment and shipping systems.
However, like with any large online platform, there are scammers who try to exploit it. These are individual users who break the rules or attempt to trick others — not the platform itself. Vinted does take action when these cases are reported, and users who commit fraud are often removed permanently. Still, the responsibility is shared — Vinted provides the tools, but users need to use them wisely.
How Can I Protect My Vinted Account from Scammers
The most effective way to protect yourself is to keep all communication and transactions within the app. Never agree to pay by bank transfer, PayPal or other outside methods, even if the seller offers a discount. Vinted’s buyer protection only applies when you use their payment system.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links sent via message, especially if they direct you to a login page or payment site. Scammers sometimes send fake login pages to steal your credentials. Check the URL carefully and never enter your details unless you’re sure it’s the official Vinted site.
Enable two-factor authentication if it’s available on your device, use a strong password, and avoid reusing login details from other accounts. Be cautious of users who ask unusual questions or pressure you into quick decisions — these are common red flags.
How Do I Know If I’ve Been Scammed
If you’ve paid for an item and it hasn’t been shipped, arrived damaged, or never turned up at all, you might be dealing with a scam. Vinted gives sellers a set timeframe to ship items — if they fail to do so, the order is automatically cancelled and you’re refunded. However, if the seller marks an item as shipped but it never arrives, you’ll need to report the issue within two days of the delivery deadline.
Other signs of a scam include sellers disappearing after payment, items that don’t match the listing description, or being asked to communicate outside the app. If something feels off, trust your instinct and raise a dispute as soon as possible.
What Is a Vinted Scam Phishing Email?
A phishing email is a fake message that looks like it’s from Vinted but is actually designed to steal your login details or payment information. These emails often claim there’s a problem with your account, an issue with payment, or an urgent need to verify your identity. They usually contain a link to a page that looks like Vinted but isn’t.
You can spot a phishing email by looking at the sender’s address, checking for spelling mistakes, or hovering over links before clicking. The real Vinted website will always use a secure URL and won’t ask you to enter login details via email.
If you ever receive a suspicious message, don’t click any links. Instead, log in to your Vinted account directly through the app or the official website and check your messages there.
How Do I Contact Vinted Customer Service If I’m Scammed
If you believe you’ve been scammed on Vinted, the first step is to go to your order and report an issue. You can do this by tapping “I have an issue” within the order details. This triggers the dispute process and alerts Vinted’s support team.
If you can’t access the order or the issue is outside a transaction, you can go to the Help Centre through the app or website and submit a request. Attach any relevant screenshots or messages, and explain the situation clearly. Vinted support usually responds within a few working days and will guide you through the next steps, including refunds or account investigations.
Scams Often Target New Users
Scammers tend to focus on people who are new to Vinted. They know these users might not be familiar with how the platform works or what behaviour to watch out for. If your account is new and you suddenly get strange messages offering to buy items instantly, or if someone asks you to email them outside the app, that’s a major red flag.
They often disguise themselves as “serious buyers” who want to rush the sale. Their goal is to move the transaction off Vinted where there’s no protection — and once you’re out of the system, you’re on your own.
Fake Listings Are Rare — But They Exist
Vinted has systems in place to detect and remove fake or duplicate listings, but some do slip through. These are usually high-demand items listed well below market value, often with blurry or reused photos. Think new designer bags for £25 or rare trainers at a massive discount. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
One tactic scammers use is reposting images they’ve taken from real sellers or other sites, hoping someone buys quickly without asking questions. Always check a seller’s ratings, number of reviews, and how long they’ve been active. A brand-new account with one item and no feedback is worth questioning.
Sellers Can Be Targeted Too
It’s not just buyers who get scammed — sellers are often targeted by fake buyers who message pretending to be interested in an item. One common scam is when a “buyer” sends a fake payment confirmation and claims they've paid outside the platform. Another is when someone asks to ship an item before payment is confirmed in-app.
If you’re selling, never post an item until the transaction is confirmed on Vinted and you’ve received the prepaid shipping label. If someone is pushing you to ship early or offering to pay through PayPal, it's almost always a scam attempt.
Scammers Use Pressure Tactics
The most common red flag in any scam is urgency. Scammers often pressure users with lines like “I need this urgently,” “I’ll pay right now if you message me on WhatsApp,” or “I’m not allowed to pay through Vinted in my country.” These messages are designed to panic you into skipping the usual process.
Vinted’s platform is specifically designed to avoid this. If someone doesn’t want to follow the rules, that’s your first sign that they shouldn’t be trusted.
Vinted’s System Protects You — If You Let It
One of the safest things about Vinted is that the platform holds the buyer’s payment in escrow until the item arrives and the buyer confirms it’s as described. Only then is the money released to the seller. This protects both sides — but only when everything is done through the app.
If you leave the platform, you lose that protection completely. That’s why Vinted removes users who repeatedly try to bypass its system — it’s a direct threat to safety.
Some Scams Are Psychological, Not Technical
Not every scam involves fake payments or phishing. Some involve manipulation — for example, someone buying an item and then claiming it never arrived, even when it did. Or demanding a partial refund while threatening to leave a bad review. These are harder to spot but just as damaging.
In these cases, Vinted’s tracking system and message logs are your best defence. As long as you post using the provided label and keep everything in the app, the platform can investigate and usually support the honest party.
Summary
You can get scammed on Vinted, but it’s usually avoidable if you stay within the platform and follow basic safety steps. Vinted is a legitimate site with systems in place to protect users, but individual scammers can still target unsuspecting buyers or sellers. Look out for suspicious behaviour, never leave the app for payments or communication, and act quickly if something doesn’t seem right. Vinted support is available to help if you report a problem through the proper channels.