How to Not Get Scammed on Depop

Depop scams are everywhere, and they happen fast. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, the risks are real, and the key to staying safe is awareness. You might not realize it, but even seasoned sellers or buyers get caught off guard. Let's dive into some crucial tips that can help protect your hard-earned money and time on Depop. The following tips are not just suggestions; they are essential strategies to avoid falling victim to scammers.

1. Trust Only Verified Payments, Avoid External Transactions This is the number one rule that people forget or ignore, often to their detriment. Depop provides an internal payment system that protects both buyers and sellers. The second you agree to pay through PayPal's “Friends and Family” option or any other external method, you’ve lost Depop's buyer or seller protection. Never, under any circumstance, agree to handle payments outside Depop.
Scammers frequently ask buyers to pay them directly via other platforms like Venmo, Zelle, or bank transfer to avoid Depop’s transaction fees. While this might seem tempting to save a few dollars, you’re left vulnerable without the app’s protections.

2. Watch Out for Fake Profiles Scammers often create accounts with fake information and stock photos. Be wary of sellers or buyers who just joined Depop, have no reviews, or don’t provide clear photos of the items they are selling. If the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Always ask for more pictures, especially ones that are specific to your requests, such as a time-stamped photo or one with the seller holding the item. Legitimate sellers should have no problem complying with these requests.

3. Never Ship Without Proof of Payment This is a classic scam targeting new sellers. A buyer claims they’ve sent payment but asks you to ship the item before the payment clears. Never ship an item without receiving full payment through Depop's system. Scammers can also send fake PayPal notifications that look real but are fraudulent. Double-check everything through your PayPal account directly, not through email links.

4. Know the Return and Refund Policies Understanding Depop’s refund policy could save you a lot of headaches. Scammers often exploit the fact that many users are unaware of how refunds work. Depop will refund buyers if they can prove they didn’t receive the item or if it wasn’t as described. This is why it’s essential for sellers to document everything: take photos of the item, the packaging, and the shipping receipt to avoid disputes.

5. Don’t Fall for the “Too Good to Be True” Deals An item priced way below its market value is a red flag. Scammers attract potential victims by offering deals that seem irresistible, only for the buyer to end up with either a fake item or nothing at all. Research the average price of the item you’re interested in and compare it to the listing. If it’s way below market value, ask yourself why. Scammers play on urgency; they want you to act quickly without thinking.

6. Pay Attention to Reviews and Ratings Depop provides a review and rating system for a reason. If a buyer or seller has no reviews, few transactions, or negative feedback, proceed with caution. Scammers often don’t have established histories on the platform. However, don’t rely on reviews alone—scammers have been known to inflate their ratings using fake accounts. Look for specific feedback and ensure it’s consistent across multiple transactions.

7. Use Depop’s In-App Messaging Always communicate through Depop’s messaging system. This is critical because Depop can monitor conversations for any suspicious behavior. If a seller asks to move the conversation to Instagram, WhatsApp, or email, consider it a major red flag. Scammers try to move the conversation off-platform so that Depop can’t trace their fraudulent activities.

8. Document Everything For sellers, documentation is your best defense against scams. Take clear photos of the item before shipping, including any imperfections. Keep the receipts and get tracking numbers for all shipments. Buyers should also document everything—from the product listing to your correspondence with the seller. This documentation can be critical in the event of a dispute.

9. Beware of “Swaps” A swap is where two sellers agree to exchange items without any monetary transaction. While this can be fun and mutually beneficial when done with someone trustworthy, it’s also an area ripe for scams. If you’re going to swap items, make sure the other party has an established reputation, and still use tracked shipping to protect yourself. Without payment, you lose Depop’s buyer and seller protection, leaving you open to being scammed.

10. Avoid Sob Stories This scam tactic preys on your sympathy. A buyer or seller may tell you a heart-wrenching story to get you to bend the rules—perhaps asking for a discount, or requesting that you ship before receiving full payment. Stick to Depop’s rules and your own terms, no matter how sad the story sounds. A legitimate buyer or seller won’t need to rely on emotional manipulation to complete a transaction.

Bonus Tip: What to Do If You Get Scammed

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things go wrong. If you do get scammed, act quickly. Report the issue to Depop immediately through their dispute system, and if you used PayPal, file a claim through them as well. The faster you act, the better your chances of recovering your money or resolving the situation.

Staying vigilant on Depop is essential, especially with the increasing number of scammers. By following these steps, you significantly reduce your chances of being scammed, allowing you to enjoy the buying and selling experience with peace of mind.