Introduction
The number of scams occurring on second-hand platforms is on the rise. In the early days of the internet, peer-to-peer transactions required caution, as users had to rely entirely on direct interactions. However, a new type of scam has emerged on modern platforms: exploiting platform-mediated systems to defraud the other party. In these cases, the scammer can acquire both the item and the payment while leaving the victim with no recourse—not even the ability to leave negative feedback—effectively obtaining the item for free.
To understand how this can happen, it helps to first review how buying and selling work on many modern platforms:
- Payment in escrow: When a buyer makes a purchase, the funds are held by the platform and have not yet been released to the seller.
- Confirmation of receipt: Once the buyer receives the item and confirms that everything is in order, the seller receives payment.
- Issue resolution: If there is a problem with the transaction, the money remains on hold while the platform investigates. Typically, three parties are involved: the seller, the buyer, and the courier. Responsibility is assigned depending on the nature of the issue.
- Purpose of escrow: Holding the payment until the buyer confirms receipt is intended to prevent scams, such as sending a different or defective item.
The issue
While platforms mediate transactions, they are often reluctant or unable to fully resolve conflicts. A major challenge is verifying who is truly in the right. Even if a seller records the shipment or the contents of a package, such evidence can be manipulated—items can be swapped, altered, or misrepresented after the recording. Similarly, a buyer could empty a package and later claim it was incomplete or damaged. There are many ways that deception can occur, making it extremely difficult for platforms to determine the truth and act fairly. These methods were the ones that used to be done, and in some way, won't work if you are smart and record packing it or opening it. However, a new type of scam has emerged. Instead of directly blaming the buyer or seller, the scammer initially receives the package without incident. Later, they deliberately damage the contents—such as making a hole in the package. Crucially, they do not claim that the item is missing or that the seller failed to ship it, since the seller may have recorded evidence of the shipment.
Instead, the scammer blames the third-party courier. This shift in responsibility produces two potential outcomes:
- Damage due to insufficient packaging: The buyer absorbs the loss.
- Damage due to courier mishandling: The courier’s insurance may cover the loss, reimbursing both buyer and seller.
- As a result, the scammer creates a near “no-lose” situation. Only after repeatedly exploiting this tactic might the platform detect fraudulent behaviour and take action, such as banning the user. The main point of why this can be exploited is because they do not do a deep investigation, they won't ask the drop point how the package was or check the security cameras, nor at the pick-up point. Therefore, they are totally blind when performing these investigations.
This type of scam has become increasingly common on platforms like Vinted. To make matters worse, the same scammer may later resell the items they previously claimed were “missing,” and the platform often takes no action.
So, what can you do to protect yourself and minimise risk?
- Record the entire packing process: Documenting each step creates a clear record of the contents and condition of the item.
- Use secure packaging: Choose a thick, durable box that is difficult to break. The more layers a box has, the sturdier it is. Do not use a flimsy box or an envelope.
- Seal thoroughly: Tape all openings and reinforce weak points to make it as difficult as possible for someone to manipulate or damage the package. If tampering is too difficult, scammers are less likely to attempt it.
- Be wary of users: Since negative reviews won't appear (after winning a resolution, the other party cannot give a review). This can happen with users who have hundreds of reviews.
Sadly, I know of this method because several collectors I know have already been scammed this way. They also tried to scam me, but the box was so sturdy that the courier was found liable and not me. So please, be careful.