How scammers target teen buyers and sellers on Vinted, Depop, and eBay — and what to do if your child falls victim.
Marketplace Scams is fraud on buying-and-selling platforms where children are tricked into paying for goods that never arrive or handing over money or personal details.
Online resale platforms such as Vinted, Depop, and eBay are popular with teenagers as a way to make money from unwanted clothing and accessories. Scammers specifically target inexperienced teen sellers using tactics including fake overpayments, phishing messages impersonating platform support, and requests to move transactions off-platform.
Fraudsters contact sellers with an offer, then introduce a complication — an overpayment requiring a refund, a "mandatory" verification link, or a request to complete the sale via bank transfer. Once money or personal details are handed over, the scammer disappears. Victims often feel embarrassed and may delay reporting, which reduces the chance of recovery.
In your child's behaviour
On their device
Always use the platform's own payment system
Never accept bank transfers, PayPal Friends and Family, or cryptocurrency for a resale transaction. Platform-integrated payments offer buyer and seller protection; off-platform payments offer none.
Never move communication off-platform
Scammers routinely ask to move to WhatsApp, Telegram, or email. Staying within the app's messaging system provides a record and the ability to report the other party.
Verify before acting on any payment notification
Log in directly to the platform or payment app to confirm money has genuinely arrived before posting an item. Do not trust screenshots or emails as proof of payment.
In immediate danger: call 999. For non-emergency police matters, call 101.
Concerned about a child but it's not an emergency? NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000. Childline for young people 0800 1111.
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
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Last reviewed: 2026-04-19