Is Poshmark safe? 9 common Poshmark scams to look out for

Poshmark is generally a safe and legitimate online fashion resale marketplace. The platform helps buyers and sellers connect through a social, community-oriented shopping experience.

The site can be a great place to find unique items or free up space in your closet, but it also has its fair share of scammers. From counterfeit goods to fake accounts and payment schemes, there are several common scams on Poshmark you should be aware of.

Poshmark does have buyer protections in place to protect you if an item is missing or not as described. However, you should still stay abreast of any known scams on the platform; this can help limit financial loss and personal information exposure.

If you’re primarily a Poshmark buyer, jump down to Poshmark scams that target buyers. If you’re a seller, keep reading to see the scams that target sellers.

Poshmark scams that target sellers

Poshmark sellers may encounter scams designed to make them hand over merchandise, personal or financial information, or account access. To achieve their end goal, scam buyers may request a refund and hang onto the products they received, claim product listings aren’t displaying, or impersonate Poshmark support.

Learn more about scams targeting sellers on Poshmark so you can protect your closet and avoid costly mistakes:

1. Buyer “email me” scam

Some Poshmark “buyers” ask sellers to communicate outside the platform, usually over email. They may claim the Poshmark comments aren’t working, the images aren’t clear, or that they have a special offer for a bundle.

Once you move off-platform, the scammer may send phishing emails or forms to steal sensitive information, including login credentials, payment details, or other personal data.

Here are some warning signs of an “email me” scam on Poshmark:

• The buyer asks to communicate via email or another non-Poshmark method.
• The buyer says the Poshmark platform is glitchy, they want to bundle more items, or they need to verify your identity before they purchase.

2. Return fraud scam

In this scam, buyers abuse the return policy by claiming an item is “not as described.” They initiate a return to obtain a refund, but send back a damaged or different item instead of the original. This allows them to keep the authentic item while tricking Poshmark into approving the refund. As a result, the seller loses both the product and the money from the sale.

Sellers can help prevent return fraud by using the following strategies:

• Create detailed listings with high-quality photos.
• Disclose any item flaws in the listing.
• Take pictures or videos of the item during packing, showing its quality, packaging, and any identifying labels on the box.

3. Missing bundle item scam

Some scammers may purchase multiple items from a seller's closet, creating a bundle. Once their bundle arrives, they claim one or more of the purchased items are missing.

When a buyer files a claim for a missing bundle item, Poshmark usually requires the seller to issue a refund and accept a return of the bundle. However, the scammer keeps the allegedly “missing” items, causing the seller to lose both the item and the money.

Here are some strategies to avoid the missing bundle item scam on Poshmark:

• Document the packaging process, taking pictures of every item included.
• Securely package and seal each item and ensure everything is visible.
• Include a packing list detailing each item included in the package.

4. Fake emails from Poshmark

Some scammers spoof Poshmark and send phishing emails that look like official correspondence. These spoofed emails may claim that your account is at risk of deactivation due to a failed payment or that you've made a sale that doesn’t exist. Their goal is to trick you into providing payment information or clicking a malicious link.

Watch out for the following signs of a fake Poshmark email:

• The sender's email address doesn’t match the address of previous official Poshmark email correspondence.
• The message uses urgent language to pressure you into taking immediate action without thinking clearly.
• The message asks you to click a link to update your credit card information.

5. Sale confirmation scam

In a sale confirmation scam, scammers send fake sale confirmation messages or fake screenshots of a sale. The messages often look like they’re coming directly from Poshmark, claiming you sold an item or that there’s a problem with a transaction. They may also include links to spoofed websites designed to capture your login information or payment details.

Additionally, scammers may request your contact details to “complete the transaction” and then use them for phishing attacks, sending fake payment links, emails meant to coerce you into giving them sensitive information, or messages laced with malware.

If you, the seller, click a link or respond with the data, it may inadvertently give the scammer access to your account or financial information. These scams are often paired with urgent language to pressure sellers into acting quickly to continue the sale.

Some signs that a sale confirmation message is a scam include:

• Emails or messages referencing sales that never happened.
• Photoshopped screenshots that “prove” the buyer is trying to buy something from you, but they just need some data, such as a phone number or email address.
• Links that lead to third-party websites, especially those without a valid SSL certificate.
• Requests for personal or payment information to “resolve” a problem.

6. Fraudulent payments and chargebacks

Some scammers buy items and file a chargeback with their bank after receiving the items. Others use stolen credit cards to get the merchandise they want, and when the fraud is detected, the bank refunds the actual cardholder.

In both cases, as the seller, you lose your merchandise and your revenue. This scam can be particularly costly for sellers because Poshmark requires you to issue refunds when claims are filed, even if the payment is later proven fraudulent.

Warning signs of fraudulent payments and chargebacks include:

• Payment confirmation from unusual sources or with missing details, like the buyer’s full name or transaction ID.
• Requests for refunds through payment apps outside of Poshmark’s system, like Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App.
• Buyers who file claims immediately after receiving items.

Poshmark scams that target buyers

Poshmark buyers may come across scams intended to steal money or information, or dupe them into accepting misrepresented items. Scammers posing as sellers may list fake luxury items, pressure buyers into making off-platform payments, claim items were shipped when they weren’t, use spoofed messages to steal sensitive data, or send counterfeit or damaged goods.

Learn more about scams targeting buyers on Poshmark so you can shop confidently.

1. Counterfeit goods scam

Nearly every online marketplace, including Poshmark, has scammers selling counterfeit luxury items. Many users on Reddit report ordering luxury purses, shoes, and sunglasses on Poshmark, only to realize that they’re fakes once the items arrive.

Luckily, there are a few simple ways to help spot a counterfeit item, including:

• The item's care card is the wrong color or font.
• Designer items carry a much cheaper price than they retail for.
• Brand details like logos and stitching don't match what you find on the brand's official website.
• The seller has very few reviews.
• The designer has never created an item like the one listed.

2. Off-platform payment scam

The Poshmark off-platform payment scam exploits users looking to avoid platform fees. Scam sellers encourage P2P payments, promising lower costs, free shipping, or other exclusive deals.

However, Poshmark’s buyer protection, Posh Protect, only applies to transactions made directly on the platform. Once users leave Poshmark, they lose this safeguard, leaving buyers vulnerable to losing money without receiving the item.

A few ways to spot off-platform payment scams include:

• Explicit requests for off-platform payment from sellers, or sellers who state in their profile that they don’t sell directly through Poshmark.
• Promises of “fee-free” transactions.

3. Item never shipped scam

In an “item never shipped” scheme, buyers pay for an item, but the scam seller either never ships it or falsely claims it was sent. When the buyer follows up, the seller may blame the shipping carrier or claim the package was lost. This leaves the buyer out of both the item and their money.

Scammers may use urgency or fake tracking numbers to make the situation seem legitimate. Sometimes, they’ll provide screenshots or emails that look official to trick buyers into thinking the item is on its way.

Some signs your merchandise was never shipped include:

• Tracking numbers that don’t update or are invalid.
• Sellers who provide vague or inconsistent shipping information.
• Slow communication when you request proof of shipment.

How to spot a Poshmark scammer

To catch a Poshmark scammer, watch for off-platform payment requests, vague or inconsistent listings, suspiciously low prices, stock photos, or blank profiles. Also, don’t get swept up in fear or excitement just because they create a sense of urgency.

By staying alert and double-checking profiles, messages, and transactions, you can enjoy a positive Pohsmark experience.

Recognize fake Poshmark sellers

While you can’t see sellers’ negative ratings or reviews publicly on Poshmark, you should always check their listings. Ensure that item descriptions match the photos and that the prices are realistic for the items they’re selling. Consistent mismatches in any of this information signal that the Poshmark seller is a scammer.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the signs of a Poshmark scam seller:

• Use of stock photos: Genuine sellers typically use their own photos, so be wary of listings that rely solely on stock images or images taken directly from the manufacturers’ websites.
• Vague descriptions: A legitimate seller usually provides detailed descriptions, including the brand, condition, and specific features or flaws. Vague descriptions are sometimes an attempt to hide quality issues.
• Suspiciously low prices: Extremely low prices, especially on luxury items, can be a red flag since scammers often use deep discounts to lure buyers.
• High volume of luxury items: A seller with a large volume of high-end items at discounted prices may be selling counterfeits.
• Multiple listings with the same items: A scam seller may have multiple listings featuring the same items to increase their chances of making sales. Sometimes, the same items and photos are listed on multiple sellers’ profiles — this can also be a sign of scam sellers.
• Reluctance to answer questions: A trustworthy seller is generally responsive and willing to provide additional information or photos. Sellers who avoid questions or give evasive answers could be hiding something.
• Pressure to move off-platform: Be cautious of sellers who encourage you to complete transactions off Poshmark. This is a common tactic used by scammers to bypass Poshmark’s buyer protection policies and steal your personal information.
• Unusual shipping practices: Sellers should always use Poshmark shipping labels and ship through USPS. If they don’t, it may be an attempt to fake the tracking information to hide that they never sent the item.

Recognize fake Poshmark buyers

Spotting a fake Poshmark buyer is a challenge as you can’t view their order history with other sellers, and they don’t receive ratings. But you can still look out for the following signs of a fake Poshmark buyer:

• Requests to move transactions off-platform: Fake buyers may ask to complete the sale outside Poshmark, promising faster or more direct payments, via third-party apps for example, which are not protected by Poshmark policies. They may also ask you to accept unusual payment methods, like cashier’s checks.
• Requests for personal information: Scam buyers may write to you and claim that the platform won’t process their payment unless you provide your phone number. Don’t fall for it — it’s a scammer looking to get your personal information.
• Suspiciously blank profiles: Fake buyers often use newly created accounts or profiles with no profile pictures or listings of their own, making it harder to verify their identity.

How to protect yourself from Poshmark scams

From checking profiles to documenting your transactions, there are simple habits you can form to help protect yourself from Poshmark scams. Keep the following tips and tricks in mind before you buy or sell on the platform.

As a seller

Here’s how to keep your items and your earnings safe from fake Poshmark buyers:

• Check buyer profiles: Look for red flags like blank profiles, low follower counts, or unusual activity. A quick profile review helps you avoid high-risk buyers.
• Document your packing process: Take photos or videos of each item before sealing the package. This helps prove you upheld your end of the deal if a buyer falsely claims an item is missing or damaged.
• Only accept payments through Poshmark: Off-platform payments remove your protections. Stick to Poshmark’s system so disputes are easier to resolve. If you’re meeting in person, only accept cash.
• Use a Poshmark shipping label: These labels automatically include tracking and are tied to Posh Protect, which insures the items you send and makes it harder for scammers to claim they never received their purchase.

As a buyer

Here’s how to protect your wallet from fake Poshmark sellers:

• Check seller profiles: Look at the listings, how long they’ve been active, and check Love Notes (Poshmark’s version of a 5-star review). Legitimate sellers usually have detailed profiles, show consistent activity, and either have a reasonably varied closet or a specialized niche — just be careful of specialized “luxury” sellers posting counterfeits.
• Review product listings closely: Inspect photos, descriptions, and any flaws listed. Make sure everything matches your expectations before purchasing. Ask the seller for more detailed photos, like close-ups of vintage tags, if you need more info before buying.
• Inspect items when they arrive: Verify that items are authentic, undamaged, and as described. Report any issues immediately through Poshmark to get a refund.
• Only make payments through Poshmark: Paying outside the platform removes buyer protections. Always complete transactions through Poshmark to qualify for Posh Protect.

What to do if you fall for a Poshmark scam

If you fall for a Poshmark scam, immediately report it to Poshmark. If you lost money as a result of the scam, report it to your bank as well — you may be able to get your money back. Take the following steps to help recover from a Poshmark scam and prevent further fallout:

• Report the user to Poshmark: Report the scam through Poshmark’s support center and provide as much detail as possible, including screenshots and transaction information.
• Update your passwords: If you provided personal info, update passwords across all your accounts immediately. Strong passwords should be at least 15 characters long. For help creating and managing complex passwords, use a trusted password manager.
• Monitor your financial accounts: Keep a close eye on your credit card transactions and bank accounts for any unusual activity, especially if you gave a scammer your payment information.
• Protect your credit: If you provided sensitive information, consider freezing your credit with the credit bureaus. This helps prevent the scammer from opening new lines of credit in your name.
  
• Invest in identity theft protection: Depending on the personal data you gave away, and how much, consider getting an identity theft protection service like Norton 360 Deluxe with LifeLock Select, which monitors for data breaches, and alerts you if your compromised personal information is found on the dark web or in fraudulent credit applications.

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FAQs

What is the 3-day rule on Poshmark?

The 3-day rule is a Posh Protect benefit that gives buyers three days after delivery to inspect their order and report any issues. If an item is missing or was misrepresented, Poshmark will investigate and issue you a refund if eligible.

Are there a lot of fake accounts on Poshmark?

There’s no public data about the number of fake accounts on Poshmark, but users have reported seeing a “rapid proliferation” of fake, scam, and bot accounts.

Is Poshmark safer than Mercari?

Neither is safer than the other. Both Poshmark and Mercari have protections in place that, if followed, help keep buyers and sellers safe. These include luxury item authentication, secure payment processing, and refunds for misrepresented items.

Can I trust Poshmark with my credit card?

Yes, your credit card is safe as long as you complete transactions through Poshmark. The platform uses secure payment processing and offers buyer protection, which both help to prevent fraud. Avoid off-platform payments, since those bypass Poshmark’s safeguards.