Britain's love affair with second-hand shopping is booming, but so are sophisticated scams targeting unsuspecting buyers on popular resale platforms. As more consumers turn to sites like Vinted, Depop and eBay for bargains, counterfeiters have become increasingly clever at passing off fakes as genuine items.
The Rising Tide of Fake Fashion
Recent reports indicate a sharp increase in counterfeit goods masquerading as premium brands on resale platforms. From fake designer handbags to counterfeit sportswear, scammers are exploiting the trust-based nature of peer-to-peer marketplaces.
Seven Red Flags Every Shopper Must Know
- Suspiciously low prices: If that £500 designer jacket is selling for £50, it's almost certainly counterfeit
- Blurry or stock images: Authentic sellers typically provide multiple clear photos from different angles
- Missing authenticity tags: Genuine items usually have proper branding and care labels
- Poor spelling and grammar: Many scam listings originate from non-native English speakers
- New seller accounts: Check the seller's history and reviews before purchasing
- Pressure to buy quickly: Scammers often create false urgency to prevent proper scrutiny
- Requests to pay outside the platform: Never agree to bank transfers or other unsecured payment methods
Protecting Your Purchase: Essential Safety Steps
Always use the platform's official payment system rather than direct bank transfers. These protected payment methods offer buyer protection if items arrive counterfeit or never show up at all.
Take advantage of platform features like Vinted's buyer protection programme, which covers purchases up to £500. Remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
- Contact the platform's customer service immediately
- Report the seller and provide evidence of the counterfeit item
- Request a refund through the platform's dispute resolution process
- Contact your bank if you used a protected payment method
- Leave honest feedback to warn other potential buyers
While resale platforms offer fantastic opportunities to find unique items at great prices, staying vigilant is crucial. By following these expert tips, you can shop safely and confidently in the growing second-hand marketplace.
