WMaheen was thrilled to discover a new Dyson Airwrap listed on the resale website Vinted for an attractive £260. The seller had a stellar 5-star rating, and she felt confident in the buyer protection policy should any issues arise.

Airwraps are typically priced between £400 and £480 when bought new, but Maheen didn’t suspect anything amiss. “I’ve used Vinted numerous times and found it straightforward and hassle-free. I’ve never faced any problems,” she states.

However, after two weeks and roughly four uses, she noticed a troubling sign. “I saw the wires beginning to smoke, and the device felt unsafe,” she explains. Maheen reached out to Dyson and was instructed to send the Airwrap in for inspection.

The news confirmed her worst fears. “I received a letter from [Dyson] informing me that the product is counterfeit. They wouldn’t return it to me as it posed a danger,” she shares.

Maheen’s experience is not isolated. Almost 37% of individuals in the UK have encountered scams while engaging in online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Vinted, according to research by credit reference agency Experian.

Younger individuals are particularly prone to this type of fraud, with over half (58%) of Gen Z respondents indicating they have fallen victim to scams, contrasted with only 16% of those older than 55.

Nearly a quarter of victims reported losses ranging from £51 to £100, while 13% faced losses exceeding £250. A small fraction indicated that their losses fell between £501 and £1,000.

The most prevalent type of fraud encountered was receiving counterfeit goods (34%), the same fate that befell Maheen. This was followed by sellers requesting payment outside the platform (31%) and items not being delivered after payment (22%).

Scam Scene

It may appear to be a genuine product, with descriptions providing a convincing facade. Over half (51%) of fraud victims told Experian that they only realized they were scammed after the item was delivered and was found to be fake, or if the item never arrived.

The images might be sourced from other websites, potentially low-resolution or resembling catalog photos.

The price could be set lower than expected; if you begin asking questions, the seller may rush you into making a purchase and propose payment outside of the Vinted platform.

What to Do

Always diligently review the seller’s profile and read customer feedback before making any purchases on the marketplace. Aim to gather as much information as possible regarding the product prior to buying. For instance, request sellers to provide videos of their items. To safeguard yourself, utilize secure payment methods and refrain from making bank transfers.

In the unfortunate event of a scam, report it to the marketplace and seek a refund. You may need to provide a screenshot of the conversation, details about the seller or buyer, and potentially bank transfer documentation.

Although Maheen’s two-day buyer protection period on Vinted had elapsed, she believed she would reclaim her money since the item was hazardous. Nevertheless, she found it “incredibly difficult to communicate with them.”

She remarks: “It felt like I was conversing with a bot.”

With assistance from Guardian Money, she has now received her refund.

A representative from Vinted stated: “The vast majority of transactions on Vinted are successful, and our team is actively working to ensure a smooth trading experience for all members.”

“When disputes occur between buyers and sellers, we collaborate closely with our shipping partners, occasionally seeking further information or evidence to mediate before reaching a final decision.”

If appealing directly to the marketplace is unsuccessful, there are alternative steps you can take.

If you used a debit card, consider requesting a chargeback from your bank. If you paid via credit card, explore the option of a Section 75 charge, which is only applicable for purchases exceeding £100. For bank transfers, the process may be more complex, but you could be eligible for a refund using a new method. Fraud Refund Protection.