Don't Get Scammed: Vinted & eBay Safety Checklist
Most transactions go smoothly, but some patterns come up again and again. A strong safety baseline on both platforms is to keep the conversation, payment and shipping inside the platform's supported process. Procedures and protections differ by country, so check the current help centre for your marketplace.
1. Requests to pay or ship outside the platform
Red flag: a buyer asks to pay by bank transfer, PayPal "friends and family" or a link, or to ship to an address not in the order. What to do: refuse. Ship only to the address in the order, using the platform's process. Changing the address yourself can make you lose seller protection.
2. Phishing messages and fake emails
Red flag: a message or email asks you to "confirm the sale", "receive the payment" or log in through a link, or asks for your card details. What to do: don't click. Open the app or website directly to check the order. Report the message to the platform.
3. Return with a different or empty parcel
Red flag: a high-value item is returned and the parcel feels wrong. What to do: before shipping, note serial numbers and photograph unique details. If a return arrives, follow the platform's current dispute instructions, keep the packaging and record its condition and weight. Check what evidence the platform accepts before relying on a video or any other particular format.
4. Proof before shipping
For valuable items, photograph the item, the packed parcel and the label, while avoiding unnecessary personal information in the images. Evidence requirements vary and no particular photo guarantees the outcome of a dispute.
Where to report
- Vinted Help Centre (use your country's site)
- eBay – Report a problem / Security Center
Clear listings help too
An accurate description with visible defects and clear photos helps buyers understand the item and documents what was offered if a question arises. SellFast AI can draft the description from your photos; always check it against the real item.