The second-hand item sales platform Vinted is facing an increase in scams involving empty packages, trapping both buyers and sellers. While the former can often obtain a refund, the latter struggle to prove their innocence in the face of accusations of fraud.
Last year, Vinted took the controversial decision to remove PayPal from its payment methods, an option previously popular for its increased security during transactions. This change caused frustration among users, who found themselves deprived of a layer of protection essential against disputes and scams. This situation exacerbated the feeling of insecurity on the platform, already tainted by accusations of abusive fees and deceptive commercial practices raised by UFC-Que Choisir in 2021.
These incidents have contributed to erode trust of users towards Vinted, paving the way for a increase in scams such as those of “empty package“. The removal of PayPal, coupled with criticism of the transparency of its imposed fees, has highlighted the challenges the platform faces to guarantee security and the satisfaction of its millions of users. In this context, scams exploiting flaws in its system have multiplied, affecting both innocent buyers and honest sellers.
Scams on Vinted: what to do about the scourge of empty packages
The “empty package” scam is spreading more and more on Vinted, affecting a growing number of users. Testimonials from buyers disappointed by the receiving empty packages are multiplying on social networks, while honest sellers find themselves unfairly accused of sending non-compliant items or simulate shipments. When a buyer disputes receipt of an item, the platform generally tends to favor your wordleading to its reimbursement at the expense of the seller, who, despite his sincerity, struggles to demonstrate that he actually sent the item. This situation creates a climate of insecurity among senders, who are forced to find ways to prove the sending and legitimacy of their packages to defend themselves against these unfounded accusations.
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In this context, it is important for sellers to take precautionary measures. It is advisable to make a video recording of the process of packaging and shipping the items, as well as maintaining the documents attesting to their authenticity. For high-end properties, favoring specialized sites is recommended. It is essential to note that in the face of serious fraud, the steps are not limited to Vinted and can lead to a lawsuit. In fact, theft is punishable in France with penalties of up to three years of imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros. Likewise, the marketing of counterfeits is punishable by severe penalties, potentially including imprisonment and up to 300,000 euros fine. This information reminds us of the importance of exercising great caution on the platform, in order to protect against scams.
Source: southwest