Clarification Needed on Etsy Automated Messages vs. Genuine Client Inquiries

[GrafiqsArt]

I'm new to Etsy and noticing that each new listing often results in receiving one or more messages that state the shop is under review or mention issues with the listing, usually with links for immediate action. Could someone please explain if these messages are genuine alerts from Etsy or if they're a form of spam? Additionally, what are the reliable indicators to distinguish between legitimate client inquiries and potentially automated or spam messages?

[TheVintagePineapple]

If they weren't in the ''from Etsy'' folder, then they were scam messages.

Read some Help and Seller Handbook articles regarding scams and what to look out for.  Reading forum posts about scams that have been and are still being tried on other new sellers will also give you an idea of what's scammy and what's legit.

Protect Your Account With These Security Tips - Welcome to the Etsy Community

[GrafiqsArt]

Thank you for instant response. 

[ThePurplePuppy · Accepted solution]

A legitimate message from Etsy will ALWAYS be in the "from Etsy" link on your message page. Etsy does not send you messages thru the buyer network. Those are scams. Do not click on any links and do not give out any information they ask for. They do not neeed your email to complete a transaction, they do not need to verify your account in any manner; they do not require you to put money on your card to make a purchase. None of those even make any sense if you think about it.

[GrafiqsArt]

Thank you for the clear explanation. Your message is really helpful in reminding us to verify legitimate communications and avoid suspicious ones. It’s valuable for keeping our accounts secure.

[ButterflyFeetDigital]

Things to read:

https://community.etsy.com/t5/Announcements/Protect-Your-Account-From-Scammers/m-p/143158945#M1882

https://community.etsy.com/t5/Managing-Your-Shop/How-to-Spot-a-Scam-No-a-Buyer-Doesn-t-Need-Your-Ema...

https://community.etsy.com/t5/Announcements/New-From-Etsy-section-in-Messages/m-p/143722497#M1899

https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000343128-How-to-Handle-Spam-and-Suspicious-Messages

[ModAngie · Accepted solution]

Hello,

Etsy is actively engaged in preventing scammers from targeting our community members. If you receive a suspicious message, please proceed with caution. Etsy Support will never ask you to provide personal information via Etsy Messages, such as your email address or password. Any legitimate message from us will show in your "From Etsy" folder.

If you receive a suspicious message, here’s how to report it:

1. Sign in to Etsy.com and go to Your Account.
2. Go to Messages. 
3. Select the suspicious message from your inbox. 
4. Choose Mark as Spam.

You’ll find examples of common scammer techniques and phishing messages here in our Help Center. Read our Account Security Checklist in the Seller Handbook for more steps you can take to protect your account.