Common Etsy scams and how to avoid them

While Etsy is generally safe, you still need to stay alert. Common Etsy scams target both buyers and sellers through fake listings, stolen photos, or off-platform payment tricks. Knowing how these scams work makes it easier to spot them before losing money or personal data.

This guide covers how Etsy scams work, the most common tricks used by fake sellers and buyers, how to protect your account, and what to do if you get scammed. Whether you’re new to the platform or a regular seller, the tips below can help you stay safe.

What are Etsy scams and how do they work?

Scams on Etsy happen when someone tricks you into giving away money, items, or personal info by pretending to be trustworthy. They might act like real sellers, send fake messages, or list products that never show up (or arrive looking completely different).

You might run into fake shops filled with copied images and glowing reviews from fake accounts. Some scammers buy their own items to boost ratings, while others hack legit shops to scam people under a trusted name.

In some cases, buyers will ask you to pay outside of Etsy—such as through PayPal, crypto, or wire transfer. They might say it’s faster or avoids fees, but it’s a way to dodge Etsy’s protections and scam you directly. Others drop shady links in messages or listings, leading to sites that steal your info or install malware.

Either way, neither shoppers nor sellers have an easy time on the platform nowadays.

Common Etsy buyer scams

As the platform grows larger, so does the number of shady listings. Be wary of these common scams while shopping on Etsy:

• Fake or misleading item listings: Scammers post knockoffs or cheap mass-produced items but label them as handmade, vintage, or luxury. Other listings are misleading, with flattering photos and exaggerated details that make it seem like a better deal than what you’re actually getting.
• Wrong address scam: You never get your package because it’s shipped to someone else in your area. The scammer uses fake tracking to make it look “delivered” and keep your money.
• Phishing scams: You might get fake emails or messages claiming to be from Etsy, usually about payment issues, order problems, or account verification. They’ll link to phony login pages meant to steal your account or card info.
• Review manipulation: Shady sellers flood their shops with fake five-star reviews from throwaway accounts. These hide complaints from real buyers and make the shop look more trustworthy than it actually is.
• Vanishing Etsy shop: You place an order with what looks like a real shop, but it disappears days later. Scammers use stolen photos, fake reviews, and low prices to lure you in, then vanish with the money.
• Hacked seller profiles: Sometimes real shops get hijacked by bad actors who start posting shady listings, or use the page to send malicious links to potential buyers.

Common Etsy scams for sellers

Sellers aren’t safe from Etsy scams, either. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Account verification scams: Phishing targets sellers as well, with scammers sending you threatening emails that say your shop will be suspended unless you “verify” it. As always, never click on fishy links and log in to the main Etsy site, where you’ll be able to solve any legit account issues.
• Outside payment scam: You may get buyers who want to “save on fees” by paying off Etsy. If you agree and they disappear or cancel the payment, you’re on your own without Etsy’s protection.
• Chargeback fraud: A buyer may claim they never got the item (or that the item was damaged) and request a refund through their bank or card issuer. Even if you have proof of delivery, you might lose both the item and the payment.

How to easily spot Etsy scams

Catching a scam on Etsy can be tricky since many are polished enough to pass for the real thing. Still, it’s not impossible if you keep an eye out for these signs:

Incomplete seller info

Stay cautious if a shop has missing details—like no profile photo, vague policies, or an empty “About” section. Legit sellers usually fill these out to show they’re active and serious. A blank page can mean the account was thrown together quickly.

You might also notice no location info or shop links that go nowhere. Of course, that doesn’t always mean it’s a scam. But if other things feel off and the seller won’t answer questions about their shop, it’s best to steer clear.

Suspiciously cheap prices

Common Etsy scams often feature prices that seem too good to pass up, like designer jewelry for a few dollars or “handmade” art priced like mass-produced trinkets. If it seems too cheap to make sense, it probably is.

They might also pair cheap prices with “limited time” offers or extremely low shipping fees to pressure you into buying fast. Always compare prices across Etsy before clicking buy. Authentic handmade or vintage items naturally cost more.

Asking for personal data

Etsy sellers never need things like your ID, phone number, or banking info. So if a shop or message asks for them, it’s almost always a scam. They might claim it’s for “verification” or “shipping,” but Etsy already handles all that securely.

Scammers ask for personal details to steal your identity or gain access to your accounts. Always keep conversations and payments on Etsy, and report anyone who insists on getting extra info.

Attempts to move payment outside Etsy

If someone suggests paying through PayPal, crypto, or bank transfer instead of Etsy’s checkout, that’s a scam waiting to happen. They’ll say it’s faster or saves fees, but they’re just trying to avoid Etsy’s protections. Once you pay off-platform, Etsy can’t help if the item never shows up or arrives broken.

Vague or copy-pasted item details

Real sellers describe their products clearly, with measurements, materials they use, and other useful info. If the listing reads like filler text or sounds overly generic, that’s a sign the shop might not be legit.

You might even see the same description repeated across items or in other shops. That’s often a sign of stolen listings or AI-generated content. If you can’t tell what you’re buying after reading the description, skip it.

Requests to click non-Etsy links

If someone sends you a link that takes you off Etsy (especially to log in or “confirm” something), avoid it at all costs. Scammers use fake websites that look like Etsy to steal your info.

Sometimes these links show up in messages from “buyers” or in sketchy listings. Always check the URL before clicking anything. If it doesn’t start with “etsy.com”, don’t trust it. Report the message or page and move on.

Evasive or slow replies

When a seller avoids your questions or takes too long to reply, it’s not a good sign. Real sellers usually respond within a day or two, especially if you’re asking about important order details.

Some scammers try to stall until it’s too late to file a claim, while others give vague answers that don’t address what you asked. If the communication feels off or delayed without reason, don’t feel bad about walking away.

High shipping costs with no explanation

Unusually high shipping fees can be used to sneak extra charges into what looks like a cheap order. Sometimes the item costs $5, but shipping is $40 with no breakdown or clear reason why. A seller might blame customs or location, but if it doesn’t add up, don’t risk it. Check their shop policies or ask about the cost. If they get defensive or avoid answering, be cautious.

Generic five-star ratings

Sometimes you’ll come across shops full of short, overly positive reviews that could apply to anything, like “Great item!” or “Perfect!” Which, fair enough; nobody owes anyone a full review. However, those same shops may have complaints written by real people buried underneath all the five-star ratings.

Look for reviews that go into more detail, have photos, and come from verified buyers. They should give you a better idea if you’re dealing with an Etsy scammer or not.

Photos lifted from other websites

Fraudsters use other people’s photos to make their listings look real. If the product images look super polished, include watermarks, or show up in Google image search elsewhere, they’re likely stolen.

How to avoid getting scammed on Etsy

Being aware of the most common Etsy scams is a great first step. However, fraudsters come up with new ways to swindle people all the time. Regardless, keeping these tips in mind should help you avoid most shady listings and suspicious buyers before they’re an issue:

• Look into the shop’s history: Check how long it’s been active, how consistent it is with orders, and whether it has a proper bio or contact info.
• Buy from verified sellers: Pick shops that have solid sales, clear branding, and detailed feedback from real buyers.
• Read listings closely: Pay attention to missing info, strange wording, or anything that doesn’t match the photos.
• Be careful with sketchy links: Avoid shortened URLs or random links in messages, especially if they lead to login pages or ask for your card info.
• Ignore pressure tactics: If someone claims there are only a few left or the sale ends in hours, it’s likely to bait you into an impulse buy.
• Don’t pay or chat outside Etsy: Stick to Etsy’s messaging and checkout to avoid scams and keep your order covered.
• Use a unique password: Don’t reuse old passwords from other sites. If things get overwhelming, a password manager can help you keep track of everything.
• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA): Even if your Etsy or email login data gets stolen or exposed in a data breach, you’ll have a second line of defense ready.
• Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi: If you’re browsing in a café or airport, a VPN helps keep your activity private and makes it harder for hackers to intercept your data.
• Install antivirus software: Even if you download a sketchy file by accident, a capable antivirus should quarantine it before it does any serious damage.

How to prevent Etsy scams as a seller

Aside from basic safety steps like staying on Etsy for messages and payments, using strong and unique passwords, turning on 2FA, and securing your connection with a VPN for Etsy, there are a few extra things you should do as a seller:

• Set clear refund and return rules: That way, buyers know what to expect, and disputes are easier to handle.
• Add watermarks to photos: Protect your listings by placing your shop name on your product images so others can’t copy them.
• Ship with tracking and insurance: These give you proof and a backup plan if something goes wrong. Especially useful when mailing pricey items.
• Check your dashboard often: Log in regularly to spot login attempts, order changes, or anything that looks out of place.
• Be wary of odd messages: If a buyer pressures you for personal info or acts unusually pushy, it’s safer to end the chat.
• Report suspicious activity fast: If something doesn’t feel right, contact Etsy support. They can review it and help secure your shop.

What to do if you get scammed on Etsy

Whether you’ve been tricked by a shady buyer or a seller who vanished after taking your money, Etsy has systems in place to help. Here’s what to do if you get scammed on Etsy:

• Gather your evidence: Save screenshots of messages, order details, tracking info, and anything else that supports your case.
• Contact the other party: Try resolving it directly with the buyer or seller first. Etsy requires you to reach out before they can step in, and some problems do turn out to be honest mistakes.
• Open a case with Etsy: If nothing changes after 48 hours, file a case through your Etsy account so support can step in.
• Contact your bank if needed: Request a chargeback from your card provider if Etsy can’t (or won’t) do anything.
• Report the shop or user: Flag suspicious profiles, emails, or listings to help Etsy and your email provider remove repeat offenders.
• Watch your account activity: If you clicked any phishing links or gave out personal info, then update your password, scan your device for malware, and check for anything else unusual.

Common Etsy scams FAQs

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