Depop Scam UK: How to Spot and Avoid Fake Sellers and Payment Fraud
Depop scammers use fake listings and payment tricks to steal from UK buyers — here's exactly how to protect yourself.
What is this scam?
Depop scams on the UK marketplace exploit the app's casual social nature and payment flexibility. The most common pattern involves scammers creating fake seller accounts with stolen photos and brand names, listing items far below market price, then either disappearing after payment or sending counterfeit goods. Other variants include hackers taking over legitimate seller accounts with good reviews, then using that trust to sell fake items or collect payment without sending anything. Some scammers also try to move transactions off-app to payment methods Depop can't protect, like bank transfers or gift cards. Unlike larger retailers, Depop relies heavily on user-to-user trust and has limited buyer protection compared to eBay or PayPal. UK buyers are particularly targeted because Depop is popular with younger shoppers and those buying designer items, making successful fraud profitable for criminals.
Warning signs to look for
- New seller accounts with zero reviews selling high-value designer items at 40-60% below typical asking prices — brand new accounts rarely have stock deep enough to undercut established sellers this heavily.
- Seller profile photos that look generic or stock images, or photos copied directly from other social media accounts — use Google Images reverse search to verify.
- Seller messages asking you to 'message them outside Depop' or pay via bank transfer, Google Pay, or gift cards instead of Depop's payment system — this bypasses Depop's buyer protection entirely.
- Item photos that are low quality, blurry, or identical across multiple listings — scammers often copy photos from genuine listings elsewhere online.
- Sellers with suspiciously high review counts and perfect ratings who suddenly changed their selling behaviour or started listing completely different item categories.
- Urgent pressure messages like 'selling quickly' or 'only 3 left' paired with the price being unusually low — artificial scarcity combined with a deal that seems too good is a classic scam signal.
- Sellers refusing to use Depop's built-in chat and insisting on WhatsApp, Instagram DM, or email only — legitimate sellers use the app's messaging for safety and dispute resolution.
How this scam works step by step
A Depop scam typically unfolds like this. First, a scammer creates a new account using a fake name, stolen business photos, or impersonated brand identity. They list genuine-looking designer items (handbags, trainers, clothing) at prices that seem too good to be true — often 50% cheaper than retail or equivalent resale prices. A UK buyer finds the listing, gets excited about the deal, and messages the seller. The scammer responds quickly and professionally, building false trust. The buyer is then asked to pay through Depop's payment system (PayPal or Depop Direct). Once payment clears and lands in the seller's account, one of two things happens: either the scammer logs out and disappears without ever sending the item, or they send a counterfeit item or completely different product. In higher-value scams targeting designer goods, the scammer may take over a legitimate seller's account with existing positive reviews, then use that trust to list fake items or accept payment without shipping. Some variants ask buyers to pay via gift cards or bank transfer first, completely avoiding Depop's protection system. By the time the buyer realises they've been scammed, the seller account is deleted or the account holder claims they were 'hacked'.
How to verify if it is genuine
Check the seller's account history carefully: legitimate Depop sellers build a profile over months with multiple sales and customer reviews. New accounts with only 1-5 listings should raise suspicion, especially if those listings are high-value items. Search for the seller's name and shop photos on Google Images to see if they appear elsewhere — scammers often steal profile images from real boutiques or Instagram shops. Look at the seller's review comments: genuine reviews mention specific items, delivery times, and usually include photos. Copy-paste generic reviews ('Fast shipping!') from multiple different buyers are red flags. Ask the seller specific questions about the item in Depop's chat (fabric content, exact measurements, flaws) — scammers often give vague answers or stop responding. Check similar items: if identical items are listed by 10 different new accounts at the same unusually low price, that's a coordinated scam network. For designer items, verify authentication details the seller provides against official brand resources. If you're buying something expensive (over £50), check our detailed guide on how to spot fake websites and accounts at /guides/is-this-website-a-scam/ — many Depop scammers also run fake brand websites.
What to do if you have already interacted
If you've already sent money via Depop's official payment system (PayPal or Depop Direct), act immediately. Document everything: take screenshots of the listing, the seller's profile, and all chat messages. Report the seller directly through the Depop app using the 'Report' button on their profile — select 'Fraudulent seller' or 'Item not received'. Contact Depop support by email at support@depop.com with your transaction details and screenshots; include your order number. If you paid through PayPal or a debit card, contact your payment provider's fraud team within 24-48 hours. PayPal buyers have up to 180 days to open a dispute; card payments can be reversed through your bank's chargeback process, usually within 120 days. If the seller asked you to pay via bank transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency, report it to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) immediately and your bank — these payments rarely get recovered, but reporting prevents other victims. Do not send further messages to the scammer or click any links they send. If the scammer contacts you offering a 'refund' in exchange for gift cards or additional payment, this is a secondary scam — do not engage.
Reporting this scam in the UK
Report Depop fraud through multiple channels to maximise impact. First, report the seller and transaction to Depop directly using the app's 'Report User' feature and by emailing support@depop.com with full details — include screenshots of the listing, profile, and conversation. Next, report the scam to Action Fraud (the UK's national fraud reporting service) by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting actionfraud.police.uk. Action Fraud assigns your report a crime reference number, which you'll need if claiming through your bank's chargeback process. If the scammer used a phishing email or fake Depop website to collect your details, report the email to the NCSC Suspicious Email Reporting Service at report@phishing.gov.uk. If they contacted you via SMS with a scam link, forward the message to 7726 (free from any UK network). Contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 if you need guidance on recovering money through your bank or payment provider. Alert your bank or payment provider's fraud team — they may be able to block the scammer's account and recover funds if the money hasn't yet been withdrawn. The more people who report the same scammer, the faster Depop and police can act.
Frequently asked questions
Is Depop actually legitimate, or should I avoid it completely?
Depop itself is a legitimate, regulated UK marketplace owned by Etsy. However, like any peer-to-peer platform, it does have scammers. The risk is manageable if you follow safety steps: buy from sellers with established reviews, use Depop's payment system (not bank transfers), and verify items before accepting. Thousands of UK users buy and sell safely on Depop daily — the scams are a minority, but they're common enough to warrant caution.
What should I do if I've already sent money to a Depop scammer?
Act fast: take screenshots of everything, report the seller to Depop via the app and support@depop.com, then contact your payment provider (PayPal, your bank, or card issuer) to report fraud and request a chargeback. You have 180 days with PayPal and up to 120 days with most banks. If you paid via bank transfer or gift card, contact Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) immediately — these are harder to recover, but reporting prevents future victims. Do not engage further with the scammer.
How can I tell if a Depop seller's account has been hacked rather than them being a deliberate scammer?
Hacked accounts usually show a sudden change in behaviour: sellers who previously sold designer clothing now suddenly list electronics, or they start refusing Depop's payment system. Legitimate sellers whose accounts are compromised often post a message in their bio saying 'account hacked, do not buy'. If you suspect an account was hacked, message the seller directly through Depop asking them to confirm the listing, or search their profile history for a dramatic shift in what they sell. Either way, avoid buying — if the account is genuinely hacked, the original owner may chargeback the sale, leaving you without the item or your money.
What's the best way to report a Depop scam in the UK?
Report through four channels simultaneously for maximum impact: (1) Report the seller directly in the Depop app using the 'Report User' button, (2) Email Depop support at support@depop.com with screenshots and your transaction number, (3) Report to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk to get a crime reference number, and (4) Contact your bank or payment provider's fraud team to request a chargeback. Keep all screenshots and the Action Fraud crime reference — you'll need these if disputing the charge with your bank.