Etsy has grown widespread for being the one-stop-shop for convenient online shopping. From selling handmade goods, vintage products, jewelry, home decor, the list goes on! Etsy’s global presence has attracted millions of buyers and sellers, creating a massive online marketplace.
Online shopping is a growing trend, and people love it. However, with anything done online, there is the fear of getting scammed. This is understandable since scams on online shopping platforms are not unheard of.
So, can you get scammed on Etsy? What can you do if you get scammed? Now’s the time to find out!
Can You Get Scammed On Etsy?
In short, yes. As with all online marketplaces, you can get scammed on Etsy, but it is still a secure site. There is no need to worry too much about being scammed.
Unfortunately, it is near impossible to eliminate the presence of scammers who are waiting to rip off online buyers. Many big online retailers also face the same problem with scammers and not just Etsy. There is an inherent risk that comes with buying things online, but you don’t need to get too worried about it.
There are millions of sellers on Etsy, and the number of scammers who pose as legitimate sellers represents a small percentage of this total. So statistically speaking, the likelihood of getting ripped off by a bad seller is very low. Rest assured, most sellers are reliable and trustworthy.
If you really want to be sure, you can check out Is Etsy Legit?
Is Etsy Safe For Credit Cards?
Naturally, what concerns people the most when purchasing products online is the safety of credit card information. We have heard many stories of credit card scams happening all too often, so it is no surprise if you are hesitant to pay with your credit card.
The good thing is that Etsy is safe for buyers who want to make payments via a credit card. Etsy has security protocols to ensure your credit card information is kept private. Your credit card information is encrypted using Etsy’s Transport Layer Security technology (TLS). Basically, your credit card information is kept safe, and sellers cannot view your information.
Etsy strictly regulates the security of your sensitive information according to its privacy policy.
How Do Scammers Rip Off Buyers on Etsy?
Scammers on Etsy usually employ similar tactics to rip off unsuspecting online buyers. Based on experiences shared by victims of scams, this is usually how a scam plays out.
First, the buyer scrolling through the products will land on a shop. Then proceeds to purchase the product. As usual with standard purchases, the payment will go through, and the estimated delivery time or shipping information will appear.
After some time, maybe a few days, you will be wondering why you have yet to receive your purchase. That is when you have likely been scammed. The ‘seller’ would remove their shop on Etsy. In the end, no purchase is delivered, and you are left without your money and your purchase.
This is the typical tactic scammers have been using on Etsy. They pose as a genuine seller by including images in their ‘shop’, enticing people to buy. After taking your money, they disappear as though they have never existed on Etsy.
What Do I Do If I Get Scammed On Etsy?
If you suspect that you have been scammed, the first thing to do is – do not panic. Next, try to contact the seller. In the best-case scenario, you can resolve the issue directly with the seller. However, if that does not work out (which is usually the case), you can open a case with Etsy.
Opening a case with Etsy means getting Etsy involved in trying to get back your money. Etsy is known to be customer-centric, so they will try to assist you. On the other hand, if you are a seller who a buyer has scammed, Etsy has you covered too. Check out cases for sellers with Etsy.
An alternative to opening a case is requesting a chargeback from your credit card company. A chargeback is when funds are returned to your credit card when you report an unwanted transaction. In the event of a scam, a chargeback can be a quicker solution than opening a case.
However, note that you cannot open a case with Etsy once you have filed for a chargeback to your credit card company. Likewise, if you have filed a case with Etsy and filed for a chargeback, your case with Etsy will be immediately closed. So it’s best to weigh your options and decide which solution to use.
How To Avoid Getting Scammed On Etsy?
As the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure.” If you are an Etsy user or considering using Etsy for your shopping needs, you need to take precautions to have a safer online shopping experience. Here are some tips to avoid scams on Etsy:
- Check For Shop Reviews
Nothing beats customer reviews. It is the best way to ensure you buy a product from a legit seller. If the review is positive overall, that is a good sign. Try not to buy from shops with few or no reviews.
- Message The Seller
Contact the seller if you are considering purchasing a product from their shop. Ask any questions. If the seller can answer your queries satisfactorily, go ahead and buy. However, if you do not receive a reply, that’s a clear indication to go look for another shop. Good sellers understand the importance of customer service and communication, so look out for these shops.
- Do Not Share Credit Card Information Via Messages
This is an obvious precaution. Be cautious of the information which you share through Etsy’s messaging system. Do not send any sensitive or private information, especially credit card-related info.
- Check Refund Policies
Refund policies differ from seller to seller. Before making a purchase, ensure you have read the refund policy which is located in the shop. If a seller does not have a refund policy in their shop, that is a clear red flag. The seller may not be an actual scammer, but avoid it as scammers rarely have refund policies either.
- Always Make Payment Through Etsy
Never go through transaction mediums other than Etsy. As mentioned earlier, Etsy has security protocols in place to ensure that transactions are secure and safe for both the buyer and the seller. Scammers often attempt to persuade you into making the transaction on another platform and might entice you with discounts. This can expose you to security and privacy threats, and if you do get scammed, your case will not be valid with Etsy.
Conclusion…
Scamming cases are low, and it is safe to shop online on Etsy. Nonetheless, there is always the risk of scams and bad sellers with any online shopping platform. To shop with peace of mind, you can take precautions to avoid being a victim of a scam.
As a rule of thumb for online shopping, do not share any personal and sensitive information with sellers. Etsy keeps your private information to themselves, and so should you. Be mindful when shopping and look out for responsive shops with positive reviews.
Be cautious, and you should be fine. Keep calm and carry on shopping at Etsy.
Have you been scammed on Etsy before? Share your experience in the comments below!