Depop Scams

Depop Scams: A Complete Guide to Staying Safe for Buyers & Sellers

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Depop has revolutionized the way we shop for secondhand fashion, creating a vibrant community-powered marketplace where millions buy, sell, and discover unique pieces. With its social shopping app feel and commitment to circular fashion, it’s a go-to platform for style explorers worldwide. But like any online marketplace, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks.

While Depop has robust safety measures in place, some individuals may try to exploit the platform. This guide is your ultimate resource for understanding common depop scams, learning how to protect yourself, and knowing exactly what steps to take if you encounter a problem. By following a few key principles, you can confidently navigate the marketplace and focus on what matters most: finding your next favorite item.

Table of Contents

Understanding Depop’s Built-In Safety Features

First and foremost, it’s important to know that Depop is designed to be a safe place to transact. The platform invests heavily in features and policies to protect its community. The most critical of these is Depop Protection. So, is depop safe to buy from? Yes, provided you stay within the app’s established rules.

Depop Protection: Your Safety Net

Depop Protection is a program that ensures you can shop and sell with confidence. It applies automatically to all eligible purchases made using the in-app BUY button.

For Buyers

Does depop have buyer protection? Absolutely. Depop buyer protection covers you in the following situations:

  • Item Doesn’t Arrive: If your purchase never shows up, you are entitled to a full refund.
  • Item is Significantly Not as Described: This includes receiving the wrong item, a counterfeit, the wrong size or color, or an item with severe damage that wasn’t mentioned in the listing.
  • Item is Damaged in Transit: If the item arrives broken due to shipping, you’re covered.

How does depop buyer protection work? If you experience any of these issues, you can report it to Depop through the Resolution Centre within 30 days of purchase. As long as your purchase is eligible, you will receive a full refund, including the original shipping cost and any fees.

For Sellers

Does depop have seller protection? Yes, sellers are also covered. Depop seller protection applies to sales that meet specific criteria, primarily that the transaction was made through the Depop BUY button and shipped using a Depop Shipping label (in the UK, US, and Australia). It protects you if an item is lost or damaged in transit, ensuring you don’t lose out on your sale.

The single most important rule to qualify for Depop Protection is to keep all transactions and communications inside the Depop app. Any payment made outside the official checkout system—such as a direct bank transfer, PayPal Friends & Family, Venmo, or CashApp—is not covered and leaves you vulnerable.

Common Depop Scams Targeting Buyers

Knowledge is your best defense. By understanding what do depop scams look like, you can easily identify red flags and protect your money. Here are some of what are common depop scams that buyers might encounter.

  • The Off-App Payment Scam: This is the most prevalent depop scam. A seller will ask you to pay them outside of the Depop app, often claiming it’s to avoid fees or offering a discount. They might direct you to their Instagram and ask for a payment via bank transfer, PayPal Friends & Family, or another cash app. If you do this, you lose all Depop Protection. Once they have your money, they can disappear without sending the item. This is also how the depop instagram scam often works, luring buyers off-platform to complete a fraudulent sale. Never agree to a scammed on depop bank transfer.
  • Counterfeit or Fake Items: A seller lists a high-end, branded item at a tempting price, but what you receive is a cheap replica. Always ask for proof of authenticity for designer goods and be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.
  • Significantly Not as Described: This is a broad category where the item you receive is drastically different from the listing. The seller might use misleading photos, fail to disclose major flaws like large stains or tears, or list an incorrect size. While Depop Protection covers this, it’s still a frustrating experience.
  • Empty Box or Wrong Item: A dishonest seller ships an empty box or an item of no value just to generate a tracking number. When the tracking shows "delivered," they may try to argue that they sent the correct item, making the dispute process more complicated.

These examples illustrate how do depop scams work, and they almost always involve trying to bypass the platform’s official systems. The simple act of paying through the BUY button defeats nearly all of them. So, are there scams on depop? Yes, but they are avoidable.

Common Depop Scams Targeting Sellers

Sellers are also targets of fraudulent activity. If you’re a seller, it’s crucial to understand can sellers get scammed on depop and how to protect your shop.

  • False "Item Not Received" Claim: A buyer purchases an item and then falsely claims it never arrived to get a refund. The best defense against this is to always use tracked shipping. If you use a Depop Shipping label, tracking is automatic. If you ship on your own, you must add the tracking number to the in-app receipt to be covered by seller protection.
  • False "Not as Described" Claim: This is one of the more frustrating depop buyer scams. A buyer might receive your item, damage it themselves, and then open a dispute claiming it arrived that way. They may also simply lie about the item’s condition to try and get their money back while keeping your product. To protect yourself, take clear, detailed photos of your items from all angles before shipping, especially any existing flaws.
  • Phishing Scams: A user might send you a message pretending to be from Depop, asking for your password, email, or financial details. They might claim there’s a problem with your account that needs to be "verified." Remember, Depop will never ask you for your password or personal details via an in-app message.
  • Chargeback Fraud: The buyer pays for the item and receives it, but then contacts their bank or credit card company to initiate a chargeback, claiming the transaction was unauthorized. Keeping all communication and proof of shipping within Depop helps you dispute these claims effectively.

How to Spot and Avoid Scams on Depop

Being proactive is key. Here’s how to avoid scammers on depop and ensure every transaction is a safe one.

Tips for All Users

  • Stay in the App: This is the golden rule. Keep all payments and communication within Depop. Anyone asking you to move to another platform (like WhatsApp or Instagram DMs) or pay via an outside method is a major red flag.
  • Use the BUY Button: Always complete your purchase through Depop’s official checkout. This is the only way to be covered by Depop Protection.
  • Be Wary of Suspicious Links: Never click on links sent by other users. They could lead to phishing sites designed to steal your information.

Tips for Buyers: How to Avoid Depop Scams

  • Check Reviews: Before buying, look at the seller’s feedback. A history of positive reviews is a good sign. Be cautious of new accounts with no reviews, especially if they are selling high-value items.
  • Examine Listings Carefully: Read the description and look at all photos. If something is unclear or the pictures are blurry, ask the seller for more information or additional images.
  • Question "Too Good to Be True" Deals: An authentic designer bag for a fraction of its value is a huge warning sign. If a deal seems unbelievable, it probably is.
  • Ask for Authenticity: For high-end items, don’t be afraid to ask the seller for proof of authenticity, like a receipt or serial number.

Tips for Sellers: How to Protect Your Shop

  • Use Tracked Shipping: Always ship your items with tracking. Using Depop’s integrated shipping labels is the easiest way to do this and ensures you qualify for seller protection.
  • Document Everything: Take clear photos of the item as you’re packing it. This provides evidence of its condition before it was shipped.
  • Use the Correct Address: Only ship to the address provided on the Depop sales receipt. Shipping to a different address, even if the buyer asks you to, will void your seller protection.

By following this advice on how to spot depop scams, you can significantly reduce your risk and contribute to a safer community for everyone.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed on Depop

If you suspect you’ve been a victim of depop fraud, don’t panic. Depop has a clear process to help you resolve the issue. Here’s what to do if you get scammed on depop.

Step 1: Contact the Seller (If Appropriate)
Sometimes, an issue can be a simple mistake. If it’s been a few days and your item hasn’t shipped, send the seller a polite message to ask for an update. Most sellers will ship within 5 days.

Step 2: Open a Dispute in the Resolution Centre
If it has been more than 5 days and the seller is unresponsive, or if your item arrives and is significantly not as described, it’s time to open a dispute.

  • How to do it: Go to the Resolution Centre in the app. You can find it under the Support section. Select the relevant purchase and describe the issue. You have 30 days from the date of the transaction to do this.
  • What happens next: The seller has 48 hours to respond and offer a resolution, such as a refund or providing tracking information.

Step 3: Escalate to Depop Support
If the seller doesn’t respond within 48 hours, or if you can’t agree on a resolution, you can escalate the dispute to Depop’s support team. They will review the case, look at all the evidence, and make a final decision. If your claim is valid and covered by Depop Protection, you will be issued a full refund.

Step 4: Report the User
If you believe a user is intentionally trying to scam people, it’s important to report them to keep the community safe.

  • How to do it: Go to the user’s profile, tap the three dots in the corner, and select "Report." You should also explain the situation when you open your dispute. Knowing how to report scammers on depop helps the platform take action against fraudulent accounts.

This is what happens if you get scammed on depop when you’ve followed the rules. However, if you got scammed on depop after paying outside the app, Depop cannot offer a refund. You should still depop report scammer to have their account investigated and potentially removed, which protects other users. If you are ever unsure, remember this guide on what do i do if i get scammed on depop. Answering what happens if i get scammed on depop (or what happens if u get scammed on depop if you prefer) is simple: as long as you use the BUY button, you are protected. So, what if i get scammed on depop? Just follow the steps above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get scammed on Depop?
Yes, like any online marketplace, it is possible to encounter scams on Depop. However, by following safety guidelines, such as only paying through the app’s BUY button and using tracked shipping, you are protected by Depop’s policies.

Is Depop legit?
Yes, is depop legit. It is a legitimate and popular global marketplace for secondhand fashion with approximately 43.5 million registered users. The platform has comprehensive safety measures and a dedicated support team to handle issues.

Does Depop have buyer protection?
Yes, Depop offers comprehensive buyer protection for all purchases made through the official BUY button. This covers items that don’t arrive, are significantly not as described, or are damaged in transit.

What is Depop scam protection?
Depop scam protection is primarily offered through its Depop Protection policy for both buyers and sellers. This policy guarantees a full refund for buyers if an item doesn’t arrive or is not as described, and it protects sellers against fraudulent claims when they use tracked shipping, provided all transactions occur within the app.

Can you get scammed on Depop as a buyer?
Yes, can you get scammed on depop as a buyer is a common concern. The main risks involve sellers asking for payment outside the app, sending counterfeit items, or shipping items that are not as described. Sticking to in-app payments is the best way to stay safe.

Can you get scammed on Depop as a seller?
Yes, can you get scammed on depop as a seller. Scams targeting sellers often involve buyers making false claims, such as saying an item never arrived or that it was not as described, in an attempt to get a refund. Using tracked shipping and documenting the item’s condition are key protective measures.

Will Depop refund scams?
Yes, will depop refund scams if the transaction is eligible for Depop Protection. If you paid through the Depop BUY button and your item either didn’t arrive or was significantly not as described, you are entitled to a full refund after opening a dispute.

Can you get your money back if you get scammed on Depop?
Yes, can you get your money back if you get scammed on depop, provided you completed the purchase using the in-app BUY button. This ensures your transaction is covered by Depop Protection, which allows you to receive a full refund for eligible issues.

Is Depop a scam?
No, is depop a scam is a misconception. Depop is a legitimate company and a thriving marketplace. While some fraudulent individuals (known as scammers on depop) may attempt to use the platform, Depop has systems in place to protect its community and remove bad actors.