Vinted users have been urged to be on the lookout for a new scam in which crafty fraudsters are attempting to dupe people out of personal information
Vinted, the go-to online marketplace for snagging bargains or offloading unwanted gifts, has become a hunting ground for scammers, as one user’s experience illustrates.
Chloe, who shares her insights on TikTok as @chloe_chandlerx, sounded the alarm with a stark warning: “Buyers on Vinted, please be aware of this new scam that people are doing […] please, please, please, please be careful”.
This caution came after a viewer commented on one of Chloe’s previous videos, saying: “I bought some paint pens for £5. Didn’t notice it said ‘free postage’. They asked for my address – I stupidly gave it. Then they wanted more info like nationality and date of birth, which I didn’t give, and cancelled”.
Chloe revealed that she’s been bombarded with messages from people who’ve been swindled out of their cash and “their data” leading to her taking to TikTok to spread the word.
She cautioned buyers on Vinted: “If anyone has items for sale on Vinted and they do not have a shipping option, and it is just free postage, don’t just think that it’s your lucky day because they are probably going to scam you.”
Chloe also noted that several users have encountered similar schemes where sellers fish for extra personal information such as phone numbers, dates of birth, and full names, risking serious privacy violations.
“It’s literally just to steal your information,” Chloe warned. “So they will take all of this information, write it all down, and then just cancel the sale – they’ll just suspend the transaction, and that’s it.
“So it means they’ve got all of your info, and you don’t have the item. You do get a refund but that’s not the point. It’s not always to steal your money anymore”.
Chloe highlighted that this particular scam “is the most common one at the moment,” and labelled it “quite scary.”
Reacting to her warning, one person demanded: “Why are people handing over that information? ! Who gives their date of birth to a seller on Vinted?”.
Sharing their own ordeal, another TikTok user said: “Happened to me other day asked me for my full name and date of birth I just ignored them just waiting for my refund now.”
Vinted strongly cautions users against sharing personal data, as outlined in their community guidelines. The platform insists on top-notch personal and security standards per their Trust and Safety policies.
Vinted say: “For extra safety, we advise you against: Disclosing private information, e.g. full names, addresses, telephone numbers, or bank details while talking with other members or leaving feedback messages.
“Buying items from Vinted members outside the Vinted secure payment system (direct transfer to their bank account). No buyer protection will apply in such a case. Replying to spam or spoof mail containing phishing messages about your Vinted account or activity.
“Disclosing pictures of yourself or others wearing an item you’re selling with their face visible. Having conversations with other members outside Vinted – always use our secure conversation screen.”
Following these top tips from Vinted can help keep you safe when buying or selling on the platform.
Vinted has been approached for comment.
