A TikTok user has revealed details of a sophisticated new scam circulating on the Vinted platform, issuing a stark warning to sellers to remain vigilant for red flags that could compromise their personal information.
How the Vinted Scam Operates
Chloe Chandler, who posts on TikTok under the handle @chloe_chandlerx and regularly shares advice about the platform, uncovered this deceptive scheme. The scam involves malicious users systematically stealing personal data from unsuspecting sellers through carefully orchestrated interactions.
The Deceptive Process
Chandler explained that everything initially appears completely normal. A buyer purchases an item from a seller on Vinted, the transaction proceeds smoothly, the item gets delivered, and the buyer clicks the "everything is okay" button within the app. This creates a false sense of security for the seller.
"Everything seems fine for a while," Chandler warned, "but then after they've pressed that everything is okay button - this is the crucial part - they will then raise an issue with the seller."
The buyer typically claims the item wasn't as described, had faults, arrived damaged, or similar problems. Because the "everything is okay" button has already been clicked, it becomes extremely difficult to process refunds or returns through Vinted's official platform procedures.
The Personal Information Trap
According to Chandler's experience with this scam, the fraudulent buyer then requests the seller's full name, phone number, home address, and even email address under the pretence of organising a return shipment.
"Now they don't actually have any intention of shipping the item back," Chandler emphasised. "They just want your personal details, so just be really, really, really careful."
She noted that these scammers often appear completely legitimate, with positive reviews and convincing profiles. "They could be as nice as pie and I have seen people send me screenshots of this scam on Vinted where people have really great reviews," she explained. "They look like a genuine person when in actual fact it is just a scam account. The reviews are left by other scammers."
Community Experiences
Numerous users have shared their encounters with this scam in the comments section of Chandler's video. One individual reported: "Yep this happened to me only a couple weeks ago, no way was I gunna give any of my personal information out to anyone."
Another commented: "Omg this literally happened to me yesterday," while a third expressed gratitude: "Oh my days ok thank you for the advice."
Protecting Yourself on Vinted
Chandler offered crucial advice for Vinted users: "Before I start this is just your reminder, never ever share your personal information on Vinted, no matter how genuine the person seems. Don't share your address, your phone number or your full name either."
She added an important warning about technological advancements being used by scammers: "Just be careful because people are using AI for this as well."
What to Do If Targeted
If you encounter this scam, Chandler recommends extreme caution: "If you've had this happen and someone has clicked everything's okay and there is actually something wrong with the item, just be really, really careful. For me if they've already clicked everything's okay, I know some people do click that button by mistake but if they send photo evidence of something wrong with the item, then fair enough."
Reporting Scams on Vinted
You can report suspicious activity directly to Vinted by using the "contact us" button within the platform or by forwarding phishing emails to: phishing@vinted.com.
When reporting, include comprehensive evidence:
- Screenshots of the message or email
- The username or profile link of the Vinted member who requested personal details
- The sender's email address or phone number
- Any bank transfer details provided
Immediate Protective Measures
If you suspect your information has been compromised, take these immediate steps:
- Contact your bank to place a freeze on all accounts, cards, and credit facilities to prevent unauthorised payments
- Update passwords for any accounts that might have been compromised
- Report the hacked or compromised account directly to Vinted
- Consult with your bank about potentially reversing any wrongfully sent payments
This sophisticated scam highlights the ongoing need for vigilance on online selling platforms, where personal information protection should remain a top priority for all users.
