How to Avoid Scams on Vinted in 2026
How to Avoid Scams on Vinted in 2026
Vinted is great for scoring bargains, but it's also a playground for scammers. Every year, thousands of users get caught out. Here are the 5 most common scams and, more importantly, how to avoid them.
The 5 Scams You Need to Watch Out for in 2026
1. Off-Platform Payments
How it works: A seller suggests completing the transaction on WhatsApp, via email, or by text message. They promise you a discount if you pay through PayPal, bank transfer, or Western Union.
Why it's dangerous: By leaving Vinted, you lose all buyer protection. If the seller never ships, you have no recourse. Your money is gone.
How to protect yourself:
- Always refuse any payment outside of Vinted
- If the person insists or gets pushy, walk away
- Remember: Vinted ONLY covers transactions made through its platform
2. The Empty Parcel Scam
How it works: You buy an item and receive a parcel... that's empty. Or the buyer claims they received an empty parcel even though you sent the item.
Why it's dangerous: It's hard to prove there was something in the parcel. It's your word against theirs.
How to protect yourself:
- Seller: film the entire packing process (the item, sealing the parcel, dropping it off)
- Film the tracking number clearly visible
- Buyer: film yourself opening the parcel in one uncut video
- Keep all evidence (shipping receipt, tracking number)
Pro tip: This is the "video proof" method that Vinted officially recommends.
3. The Fake Return
How it works: The buyer receives your item (say, a designer bag), then sends you back a counterfeit or a completely different item. They claim the item doesn't match the listing and request a refund.
Why it's dangerous: If you don't have solid proof, Vinted may force you to issue a refund.
How to protect yourself:
- Take detailed photos before shipping (every angle, defects, labels)
- Note the serial numbers if the item has any
- Film the parcel before sealing with the item visible
- If you receive a suspicious return, film the unboxing and compare with your original photos
4. The Hijacked Account
How it works: Hackers take over Vinted accounts with good reviews. They post fake listings for luxury items at rock-bottom prices. Once they receive payment, they vanish.
Why it's dangerous: The account has good ratings, so you assume it's trustworthy. But it's actually a hacker using it.
How to protect yourself:
- Check the sales history of the profile
- A profile suddenly selling luxury watches when it previously sold baby clothes? Red flag
- Be wary of prices that are too good to be true
- Check the registration date and number of reviews
5. AI-Generated Photos
How it works: With AI in 2026, some scammers create ultra-realistic photos of items that don't exist. They collect payments and disappear.
Why it's dangerous: AI images are increasingly difficult to spot. They look completely legitimate.
How to protect yourself:
- Ask for additional photos from different angles
- Ask for a photo of the item with a piece of paper showing today's date
- Check the reflections and shadows (AI sometimes gets these wrong)
- If the seller refuses, move on
Good to know: The European AI Act (2026) requires platforms to flag AI-generated content. Vinted will need to comply.
Anti-Scam Habits
What You Should ALWAYS Do
- Do everything through the Vinted app (messages, payments, disputes)
- Enable two-factor authentication on your account
- Read descriptions carefully and look at all the photos
- Ask questions before buying if you have any doubts
- Keep all evidence (messages, photos, videos, receipts)
- Check the profile of the seller/buyer (reviews, account age)
What You Should NEVER Do
- Pay outside of Vinted (even with a "discount")
- Click on suspicious links in messages (phishing)
- Share your banking details outside the platform
- Accept a transaction without Vinted protection
- Ignore warning signs (pressure, urgency, prices too low)
Got Scammed? Here's What to Do
Immediate Response
- Open a dispute via the Vinted app ("I have a problem" button)
- Provide all your evidence: screenshots, photos, videos, tracking number
- Report the seller/buyer via their profile
- Contact your bank if you paid outside the platform
Reporting
- Scams on Vinted: use the "Report" button on the profile
- Phishing attempts: send an email to phishing@vinted.com
- Filing a complaint: for large amounts, go to your local police
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