What Is Poshmark Safe: 6 Common Poshmark Scams You Should Know

Poshmark is an online fashion resale marketplace that resells new and secondhand products. It helps sellers and buyers connect via the social and community-oriented shopping experience. Poshmark scams have become a growing concern, with many users falling victim to fraudulent buyers, sellers, and fake listings.

While the site is an ideal location to shop for or sell your items from your closet, it is not without its share of fraudsters. From fake goods to fraudulent accounts and even payment methods, there’s a variety of commonly-repeated scams that you should know about.

Is Poshmark Safe?

Generally, Poshmark is a safe marketplace to shop and sell. However, all online marketplaces are not without fraudsters, and Poshmark isn’t an exception. Poshmark employs a variety of strategies, such as Posh Protect, which helps to decrease the number of Poshmark scams that occur, but with varying degrees of achievement.

Are you looking to find some amazing deals on Poshmark without being scammed? Continue reading to learn about the top six widely used frauds that are a part of Poshmark scams and discover how to stay clear of them.

6 Common Poshmark Scams

1. Buyer email scam

Certain Poshmark scammers might make comments on the listing of a seller and pretend to have an interest in the item. They could declare that the images uploaded “aren’t displaying well” on the app or website and request that the seller send them better photos. Once you’ve sent the email, a scammer will send you a phishing email to try to steal your details.

Some ways to recognize a Poshmark buyer email scam are:

• A seller claims that images are blurry, even when they look fine on your device.
• Comments from buyers show up within minutes of selling an item.
• Their profile displays that they have a small number of followers.
• The buyer requests that you contact them using the email in their bio.

Also read: 11 Common Cash App Scams and How to Avoid Them

2. Return fraud scam

In this scam, consumers misuse the return policy saying that an product has been damaged or is “not as described.” The buyer initiates a return in order for a refund, but return a damaged or a different item in lieu that of what was originally. This lets them retain the original item while fooling Poshmark to approve the refund. In the end, the seller is unable to sell the product and the proceeds that was earned from selling it.

Sellers can help in preventing return fraud by implementing these strategies:

• Create detailed listings with high-quality photos.
• Discuss any deficiencies in the list.
• Photograph or film the product during its packing to show its quality packaging, its condition, and any labels that identify the box.

3. Off-platform payment scam

The Poshmark Off-Platform Payment scam focuses on customers who are trying to save on the cost of platform fees. Sellers and buyers can be victims of this fraud. Scammers are encouraging payments apps such as Venmo, Cash App or Zelle with promises of lower prices or special offers.

But, the buyer protection offered by Poshmark, Posh Protect, is only applicable to transactions conducted directly through the platform. When users quit Poshmark the platform they are no longer protected by the protection, making the buyers at risk of losing funds without actually receiving the item, or the seller at risk for receiving fraudulent payments or checks.

Additionally, scammers could ask your contact details in order to “complete the transaction” and then use them in frauds using phishing and send fake payment links, messages designed to force you into providing the information that is sensitive or emails laced with malicious code.

Some ways to identify off-platform payment scams include:

• Exaggerated requests for off-platform payments from sellers or buyers.
• Truly good deals, like the extremely low cost.
• Promising “fee-free” transactions.

4. Missing bundle item scam

The scammers can purchase multiple items from the closet of a seller to create a bundle. After their bundle is received and they declare that some or all of their purchased items are missing.

If a customer files an claim to replace a product in a bundle, Poshmark generally requires sellers to provide a refund and to accept a return of the package. But, the fraudster keeps the claimed “missing” items, causing the seller to lose the product and the cash.

Strategies to avoid falling for the bundle item scam comprise the following:

• Document the packaging process by taking photos of each product included.
• Seal and secure every item, and make sure the item is clear.
• Include a list of the packaging that outlines each item in the box.

5. Counterfeit goods scam

Virtually every online marketplace, including Poshmark, offers scammers selling fake luxury goods. Many people on Reddit complain about purchasing high-end shoes, bags, and sunglasses on Poshmark only to find out that they’re fakes after they receive the goods.

There are several easy methods to identify a fake product, such as:

• The item’s care label has the wrong color or font.
• Designer goods are available at a less expensive price than what they retail for.
• Brand-specific details such as logos and stitching do not match what you see on the official site of the brand.
• The seller has only a few reviews.
• The designer hasn’t ever created anything like the item described.

6. Fake emails from Poshmark

Scammers may send phishing emails that appear to be official communications from Poshmark. The emails could claim it’s your account that’s in danger of being shut down due to a failed transaction or that you’ve completed an order that’s not real. They are trying to deceive you into giving payment details or clicking on a malicious link.

Be on the lookout for these indications of a fake Poshmark email:

• The email address of the sender is not the same as that of earlier official Poshmark email correspondence.
• The message makes use of urgency to pressurize you to act immediately.
• The message asks you to click a link to update your credit card information.

How to Spot a Fake Poshmark Seller

While it’s not possible to view the negative reviews or ratings of sellers’ reviews on Poshmark but you must look over their listings. Make sure that the descriptions of the items match the images and prices are reasonable for the products they’re selling. Inconsistently mismatches with any information signal that the Poshmark seller is scamming.

This is a comprehensive description of the warning signs of a Poshmark scam seller:

• Use of stock photos: Genuine sellers typically employ their images so be cautious of listings based solely on stock photos or images that are directly taken from manufacturers sites.
• Vulgar descriptions: A genuine seller generally offers detailed descriptions of the item, which include the seller’s name, description, and the specific features or defects. The descriptions can be vague and are often attempts to conceal the quality issue.
• Suspiciously low prices: Extremely low prices, particularly on expensive items, are a red flag because scammers frequently use huge discounts to entice customers.
• High volume of luxury items: A seller with an abundance of luxury products with reduced prices could be selling fakes.
• Multiple listings with the same items: A scam seller who scammed may have multiple listings with identical items to boost their sales. Sometimes similar items and images are advertised for several sellers, too.
• Reluctance to answer any questions: A trustworthy seller is generally available and will provide additional information or pictures. Sellers who do not respond to answering questions or are evasive may be concealing something.
• Pressure to switch off the platform: Be cautious of sellers who try to convince you to make transactions through Poshmark. This is a tactic commonly employed by fraudsters to circumvent Poshmark’s buyer protection policy and get your private information.

Also read: WhatsApp Scams: How to Spot It and Prevent It

How to Spot a Fake Poshmark Buyer

Finding the fake Poshmark buyer can be difficult since you cannot view the order histories or reviews of other Poshmark customers. But you can still check for the following indicators that a person is a fraud Poshmark buyer:

• Requests to move transactions off-platform: Fake buyers may solicit to finish the sale outside Poshmark and promise not to pay fees or to speed up payments. Scammers might request different payment methods, such as cashier’s checks, or apps from third parties that are not protected by the Poshmark policies.
• Highly complicated payment instructions: Fake buyers sometimes send specific, unusual instructions such as requesting multiple steps to confirm the payment, or fake links to “transaction verification.”
• Requests for personal data: Scam buyers sometimes send you letters and inform you that the website won’t accept the payment until they have your contact number. Do not fall for It’s a scammer trying to steal your details.
• Suspiciously blank profiles: Fake buyers often have accounts created from scratch or profiles that do not have photos of their profiles or personal listings, making it more difficult to determine their authenticity.

Steps to Take After Falling for Poshmark Scams

If you’re victimized by the Poshmark scams, immediately notify Poshmark. If you’ve lost money because of the fraud, report that to the bank, too, and you might be eligible to receive your cash back. Take the steps below to recover from the Poshmark scam and avoid the possibility of a repeat fallout.

• Invest in identity theft protection: Use identity theft protection tools will notify you if your personal data is discovered online or on fraudulent credit application.
• Report the user to Poshmark: Report the scam via the Poshmark customer support and give as much detail as you can, including screenshots, and information about the transaction.
• Update your passwords: Update the passwords for all accounts to guard your accounts from being hacked. The majority of passwords should have at least 12-16 random letters to assist in creating and managing complex passwords. Make use of a trusted account manager.
• Monitor your financial accounts: Keep a close eye on your credit card transactions and bank accounts for any suspicious activity particularly if you have given the payment information to a fraudster.

In Ending — Secure from Poshmark Scams

Knowing about the different Poshmark scams can safeguard you when buying or selling. For extra security, use an AI scam detection tool. It is equipped with powerful fraud-detection technologies that aid you in identifying fraudulent emails, text message,s and websites that could be fraudulent to help you shop online more securely.