Resale Sites Warning: How to Avoid Counterfeit Scams

Purchasing items from resale sites can lead to substantial savings, but it can also expose buyers to scams. Maheen, a frequent user of the platform Vinted, discovered this the hard way when she bought a brand-new Dyson Airwrap for £260. The product, usually priced between £400 and £480, initially seemed like a fantastic deal. Despite her positive experience on Vinted, Maheen faced a troubling situation when, after just two weeks of use, the device began to smoke.

Upon contacting Dyson, she learned her purchase was counterfeit and potentially dangerous. “I got a letter from Dyson confirming the product was counterfeit. It was unsafe, and they wouldn’t return it to me,” she explained. Unfortunately, Maheen’s experience is indicative of a broader issue. Research from the credit reference agency Experian indicates that nearly 37% of Britons have faced scams while buying or selling on online marketplaces, such as Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Vinted.

The statistics reveal that younger individuals are more frequently victimized by these scams. Over half of respondents from Generation Z, specifically 58%, reported having been scammed, in stark contrast to just 16% of those aged over 55. For many victims, the financial impact is significant, with approximately 24% reporting losses between £51 and £100. Some individuals reported losses exceeding £250, with a few claiming they lost between £501 and £1,000.

The most common scam encountered by respondents involved receiving fake or counterfeit products, affecting 34% of those surveyed. Other prevalent scams included requests for payment outside the platform (31%) and items that failed to arrive after payment (22%). Many victims only realize they have been scammed when the item arrives and turns out to be counterfeit or fails to arrive altogether.

To avoid falling victim to similar scams, it is crucial to scrutinize sellers closely. Always review a seller’s profile and read customer reviews before making a purchase. It is advisable to request additional information about the product, such as asking the seller to provide a video. Secure payment methods should always be utilized, and buyers are encouraged to avoid bank transfers.

If a transaction goes awry, it is important to report the incident to the marketplace and request a refund. This process may require providing evidence, such as screenshots of conversations and transaction details. Unfortunately, Maheen found herself outside Vinted’s two-day buyer protection window, making it difficult for her to secure a refund. She expressed her frustration, stating, “It felt like I was talking to a bot.” After seeking assistance from Guardian Money, she ultimately received her money back.

A spokesperson for Vinted emphasized that the majority of transactions occur without issues and that their teams strive to facilitate a smooth trading experience. In cases of disputes, they mediate by collaborating with delivery partners and gathering additional information before making a final decision.

If direct appeals to the marketplace yield no results, other options are available. For those who used a debit card, contacting the bank to initiate a chargeback claim may be beneficial. Credit card users might consider a section 75 claim, provided their purchase exceeded £100. In cases involving bank transfers, navigating the process may be more complex, but recent fraud refund protections could offer potential relief.

As online resale platforms continue to grow in popularity, awareness of potential scams and vigilance in purchasing practices are essential for safeguarding consumers.