Vinted scams UK: how to spot and avoid fake sellers and buyers
Vinted is a genuine platform, but scammers are active there — here's exactly how to spot them before you lose money or items.
What is this scam?
Vinted scams happen when fraudsters create fake buyer or seller accounts on the legitimate Vinted app to steal money or goods. The most common type involves a scammer posing as a buyer who either pays with a fraudulent method, requests payment outside the app, or never sends money at all. Sellers are also targeted by fake buyers who arrange collection then don't show up, or who claim items never arrived after completing a purchase. Some scammers ask sellers to send items before payment clears, while others use stolen card details to buy and then dispute the transaction. The scam works because Vinted's peer-to-peer model relies on trust, and fraudsters exploit gaps in verification. Unlike buying from a shop, you're dealing directly with another person, which means there's less institutional protection if something goes wrong. Scammers often operate with newly created accounts, incomplete profiles, or use stolen photos of real items.
Warning signs to look for
['- New account with no seller history, few photos, or a suspiciously perfect profile picture (likely stolen)', "- Asking you to pay via bank transfer, PayPal Friends & Family, or cryptocurrency instead of using Vinted's built-in payment system", '- Offering items at prices significantly lower than market rate to rush your decision', "- Asking you to send payment before they ship, or requesting you pay 'to hold' an item", '- Requesting your personal banking details, address, or phone number outside the Vinted app', "- Rushing you with urgency ('I have another buyer', 'must sell today') or pressure to complete the sale quickly", "- Poor grammar, inconsistent story details, or responses that don't match your questions", "- Asking for a video call 'to verify' your identity or requesting screenshots of your bank account"]
How this scam works step by step
A seller scam typically starts when a fraudster creates a Vinted account with minimal or stolen details. They list popular items—trainers, designer bags, phones—at attractive prices to generate interest quickly. When you message them, they seem friendly and responsive. If you're the buyer, they might ask you to pay outside Vinted's protected payment system (via bank transfer or Wise), claiming it's faster or cheaper. Once they receive your money, they disappear or send a fake shipping confirmation. Alternatively, they accept payment through Vinted but use a stolen card, which later gets disputed, leaving you without the item or money. A buyer scam works differently: a fraudster places an order for your item, pays with a stolen card or disputed payment method, and asks you to ship it urgently. You send the item in good faith, the payment is reversed, and you're left with nothing. Some scammers claim items arrived damaged or never arrived, disputing the transaction to get refunds even though you've already shipped genuine goods. Others request collection, arrange a time, then never show up—wasting your time and keeping your item listed.
How to verify if it is genuine
Check the seller's Vinted profile thoroughly before buying. Look for a substantial history of completed sales, genuine reviews from other buyers mentioning specific items, and a profile that's been active for several months. Avoid accounts created in the last few days. Always use Vinted's in-app payment system—never agree to pay outside the platform via bank transfer, PayPal, or other methods, no matter what reason the seller gives. Verify item photos by doing a reverse image search (right-click the photo on Google Images) to check if the pictures are stolen from elsewhere online. Message the seller through Vinted's chat only—if they ask you to move to WhatsApp or email early on, that's suspicious. Check if their asking price matches typical market rates; if it's significantly cheaper than other identical items, question why. Ask specific questions about the item's condition and history; genuine sellers answer promptly and in detail. For more guidance on assessing marketplace trustworthiness, see our guide on /guides/is-this-website-a-scam/. If payment is requested outside the app, read our advice on /guides/bank-transfer-scam-warning-signs/.
What to do if you have already interacted
If you've already sent money or items, act quickly. First, stop all further communication and do not send more money or personal information. If you paid through Vinted's system, message the seller immediately through the app asking for a refund or item confirmation, and screenshot everything. Report the transaction to Vinted using the app's reporting feature—go to the conversation, select 'Report user', and explain the fraud. Vinted has a dispute resolution process; if the seller claims non-receipt or damage, you can defend your case with photos and timestamps. If you paid by bank transfer or PayPal Friends & Family outside Vinted, contact your bank or PayPal immediately to report fraud and request a chargeback—do this within 8 weeks (Vinted cannot reverse these payments). If you used a debit or credit card and the payment was unauthorized, dispute it with your card provider. If you sent a physical item and now suspect the buyer, request proof of delivery from your courier and file a claim with them if it never arrived. Do not accept 'solutions' like reshipping fees or partial refunds—genuine disputes are resolved through Vinted or payment providers.
Reporting this scam in the UK
Report the fraudulent Vinted account immediately within the app by clicking the user's profile, selecting 'Report user', and providing detailed information about the scam. Vinted takes fraud seriously and will investigate and remove accounts. For wider fraud reporting, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at actionfraud.police.uk—they log scams and pass information to law enforcement. If you received a suspicious email claiming to be from Vinted (asking you to verify details or confirm payment), forward it to the NCSC Suspicious Email Reporting Service at report@phishing.gov.uk. If you received a fraudulent SMS pretending to be Vinted, forward it to 7726 (spoof). For advice on protecting yourself and understanding your rights as a consumer, contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 (free and confidential). Save all evidence—screenshots of messages, photos of listings, payment confirmations, and courier tracking—before reporting. Report the scam to your bank or payment provider at the same time, as they may open a fraud investigation in parallel.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vinted actually a legitimate platform, or are most sales scams?
Vinted is a completely legitimate second-hand marketplace founded in 2008 and operating across Europe, with millions of genuine transactions every year. However, like any peer-to-peer platform, scammers do create fake accounts to commit fraud. The vast majority of Vinted users are honest, but you need to be cautious and verify sellers before buying, just as you would on any marketplace.
I've already sent money to a Vinted seller and haven't received the item. What should I do?
If you paid through Vinted's app, immediately open a dispute through the app's resolution centre and provide evidence (screenshots, photos, dates). If you paid by bank transfer, contact your bank within 8 weeks to request a chargeback—provide them with all evidence of fraud. If you paid via PayPal Friends & Family, you have no protection; contact PayPal anyway to report the scam. In all cases, also report the user to Vinted and file a report with Action Fraud.
A Vinted seller is asking me to pay via bank transfer instead of using Vinted's payment system. Is this normal?
No, this is a major red flag and a common scam tactic. Legitimate Vinted sellers accept payment through Vinted's in-app system because it offers buyer protection. If someone insists on bank transfer, PayPal Friends & Family, or cryptocurrency, they are avoiding the platform's fraud safeguards—do not proceed. Reject the offer and block the user.
How do I report a Vinted scam in the UK?
Report the fraudulent account directly in the Vinted app by clicking the user's profile and selecting 'Report user'. Then report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk. If you received a phishing email pretending to be Vinted, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. For rights and consumer protection advice, contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.