What If I Get Scammed on Poshmark? Here’s What to Do

Getting scammed on Poshmark is a frustrating experience, especially when you're looking for the perfect fashion piece at a good price. Poshmark, as a popular platform for buying and selling secondhand goods, works hard to protect both buyers and sellers, but scams can still occur. The key is knowing how to respond quickly and effectively to get your money back.

First Things First: Identifying a Scam

Most Poshmark transactions go smoothly, but occasionally, you may encounter a scam. Here's how to identify the red flags:

• Counterfeit items: The seller claims the item is from a luxury brand, but when you receive it, it’s clearly a fake.
• Damaged goods: The seller doesn’t accurately describe the condition of the item, and it arrives heavily damaged.
• Non-shipment: You’ve paid for an item, but the seller never ships it.
• Switching: The seller sends you something completely different from what was listed.
• Seller asks for direct payment: Instead of paying through Poshmark, they ask for payment via another platform, which immediately voids Poshmark’s protections.

What to Do When You Suspect a Scam

1. Document Everything
   Take screenshots of the listing, the seller’s information, and all communication between you and the seller. If you’ve received the item, take clear photos of the package, including any shipping labels, and the item itself. This documentation is vital in proving your case to Poshmark.

2. Report the Issue Immediately
   Time is crucial. If you suspect you’ve been scammed, go to the Poshmark app or website and file a claim as soon as possible. Here’s how to do it:

• Go to your purchases and click on the order you’re having issues with.
• Choose the option to “Report a Problem.”
• Explain the situation in detail and upload any supporting documentation or photos you have.

Poshmark has a built-in resolution process for buyers and sellers. If you file a claim within three days of receiving your order, your payment will be held in escrow until the issue is resolved. Don’t wait more than three days, or your payment might go through automatically.

1. Contact Poshmark Support
   If your issue isn't resolved through the initial claim process, reach out directly to Poshmark’s customer support team. Be polite but firm in your communication. Make sure to provide all the evidence you’ve gathered. Poshmark’s team will typically respond within 24-48 hours, and they may ask for additional information.

2. Escalate to PayPal or Your Bank (If Needed)
   If you paid through PayPal or used a credit card, and Poshmark isn’t able to resolve the issue, escalate the situation. Open a dispute through PayPal or contact your credit card provider. Provide them with all the documentation you’ve collected to strengthen your case. Both PayPal and major credit cards often have buyer protections that will refund you if you’ve been scammed.

How Poshmark Protects Buyers

Poshmark has several features to protect buyers from scams. It’s important to understand these, so you know what to expect during the resolution process:

• Posh Protect: This is Poshmark’s guarantee. If you report an issue within three days of receiving your item, Poshmark will investigate the case and, if you’re found to be in the right, refund your money.
• Payment Holds: Poshmark holds the payment for each transaction in escrow. Sellers don’t get paid until the buyer confirms receipt of the item and is satisfied.
• Authentication for Luxury Items: Poshmark offers an authentication service for higher-end items (over $500). When you buy a luxury item, it first goes to Poshmark for authentication, ensuring you’re not getting a counterfeit product.

How to Avoid Being Scammed

1. Research the Seller
   Before buying, check the seller’s reviews and ratings. Look for any negative feedback or red flags, such as complaints about fake items or poor communication. Be cautious of sellers who have little to no feedback or are new to the platform.

2. Ask Questions
   If the listing is vague or the photos aren’t clear, don’t hesitate to ask the seller for more information. Request additional photos, close-ups, or clarification about the item’s condition. A genuine seller will have no problem providing you with this information.

3. Stick to Poshmark for Payments
   Never agree to pay outside of Poshmark. If a seller asks you to use another payment platform like Venmo or PayPal, they’re likely trying to scam you. Poshmark only protects transactions that occur within its platform.

4. Use Posh Authenticate for Luxury Items
   If you’re buying a high-end item, use Poshmark’s authentication service to ensure that the item is genuine before completing your purchase. This service adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

5. Trust Your Instincts
   If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure buyers in with impossibly low prices. If something feels off, trust your instincts and walk away from the purchase.

Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of Poshmark Scams

Case 1: The Counterfeit Bag
Emily thought she’d scored a great deal on a Louis Vuitton handbag. The photos looked legitimate, and the seller claimed it was authentic. However, when Emily received the bag, it was clearly a fake. She immediately reported the issue, providing photos of the listing and the bag she received. Poshmark refunded her money within a week.

Case 2: The Non-Shipment
John bought a pair of designer sneakers but never received them. The seller marked the item as shipped, but the tracking number never updated. After a few days, John reported the issue to Poshmark. The platform investigated, found that the seller had never shipped the item, and issued a full refund.

Final Thoughts: Stay Vigilant

Poshmark is a great platform for finding deals on fashion, but like any online marketplace, it’s essential to stay vigilant. If you follow Poshmark’s guidelines and take the right steps when something goes wrong, you can protect yourself from scams and recover your money.

To summarize:

• Document everything.
• Report the issue immediately.
• Contact Poshmark support if needed.
• Escalate the issue to PayPal or your bank if necessary.
• Avoid scams by researching sellers and sticking to the platform for payments.

By being proactive and aware, you can enjoy a safe shopping experience on Poshmark.