Enhanced verification process to ensure security

[IsmaelCreative]

Hi everyone, I was wondering if anyone here as seller received a message from ShopHelper requesting to complete verification process. I have received 2 messages from ShopHelper after I completed listing my products which requested me to complete Enhance verification process by scanning QR Code that directed me to complete my bank card details. Please anyone can help whether it is legit or scam

[CryzalisDesigns · Accepted solution]

Yeah it is a scam, do not provide any information or click on anything. Stick it in spam

Just above where you type a reply there should be a message, did you not see this message?

To stay protected, stay on Etsy. Never follow links to other sites, and don’t share contact, account, or financial info with anyone in Messages. Learn how to spot spam.

[Amaradorn]

Scam! 

Mark as SPAM

Genuine messages from Etsy will appear in the 'from Etsy' folder of your message inbox. Check your messages using a browser.

[CraftyCornishMaids]

Scam

this is on every message....

To stay protected, stay on Etsy. Never follow links to other sites, and don’t share contact, account, or financial info with anyone in Messages. Learn how to spot spam.

the QR code is taking you offsite, and they want your financial information

[WhitePixelsCreations]

I'm in the process of building my listings on a new Etsy store and received this message from a user called "Christine". Their profile pic looked like the Etsy logo!!

[DOKOcreations]

@WhitePixelsCreations  Unfortunately anybody can just make up an avatar and username that makes you believe the message is from Etsy. Always check the “From Etsy” folder in your message system. If it’s not in that folder, it’s a scam!

[WavesOfRae]

I got the same message by Christine as I was making my listings.

[SixPointSupplyCo]

Dang. I fell for this and punched in my info! After waiting some minutes I put two and two together and realized it’s a scam, then searched it and found this. 

I reported to my bank and put a hold/canceled my card but I’m worried if there’s anything else they can get? Could I have downloaded spyware on my phone? 

The reporting department for my visa said there’s no way they can access any more banking info other then what was entered. THIS SUCKS!

[CraftyCornishMaids]

From the banks perspective, they can't access any more banking info from the actual scam,

but depending on what you clicked, they could have downloaded anything.

do a virus check on your device

[AutismMomma83]

i did it too now i’m worried they will use my info to buy things with my name 

[Kalisnotebook]

I just did the same but don't want to cancel my card as it will mess with my billing. I'm hoping nothing happens, but regardless I'm safe with my bank and they will fix it asap.

[ButterflyFeetDigital]

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

If you receive an actual order, you will see it in your "Orders and Shipping" section and you will receive an email from Etsy notifying you that you have a sale, and there will be a notification in your dashboard as well.

[AtHomeInTheCountry1]

Hi, I get a message from someone called ShopHelper about a minute after I make a sale. Every time without fail. I just send it to spam. I am still yet to ever receive a genuine message from Etsy, just hundreds of scam attempts, madness! I've never experienced more scams, never on Amazon seller central etc. I am thinking of leaving Etsy because of this.

[CraftyCornishMaids]

They have been on Amazon and etsy too, I have had more there than here - here I have only had one, in all 10 years,

Scammers are targeting newer sellers here, because for some reason, sellers are falling for the scams, if sellers keep giving the scammers money, they will keep on scamming.

When sellers stop giving them money, they will move on to easier targets

.... I have 3-4 a day in my normal e-mail, from scammers that pretend to be electric companies, and water companies etc - they are everywhere all the time

.... just don't click on links, then give out your card number and authorise payments on insecure websites to accounts you don't know.

[MaryCainsCabinet]

I received this last night after posting a new item.  I did not provide any information or verify information.  It looks legit.  I did mark it as spam.  Guess that's all I can do?

[LynnsLittleShop]

Yes, marking it as spam lets Etsy know.

[LampFinialsUnlimited]

I just did a listing and got the same thing!!  Yikes!!  It was not in the from Etsy Folder...I would not click the link,

when they say its safe to do it, than sends up a red flag!!  Pure SCAM!!!

[MrArkreaktor]

Dang all my listing do have this message. yeah its fishy so it's a scam. Official message should be from the official etsy folder (From Etsy)

[IsmaelCreative]

Thank you everyone for your reply. I almost fell for this scam. I hope this post helps new sellers to avoid all scam attempts

[SwordandThistleBooks]

Thank you for this. I've had my etsy shop for all of two days and received two where it looks like they are trying to buy an item but can't until I go through this "enhanced verification process" with a qr code.  The fact it looks like it's blocking a sale makes it that much more egregious. I marked them both as spam.

[ChillwolfArt]

@SwordandThistleBooks 

I'm very sorry you were targeted. Scammers have been hitting new Sellers as well as seasoned ones.  "Verification" is a popular scam, as well as posing as Etsy Staff/Support, etc.   Scanning of QR Codes is another. When you receive a LEGIT Message from Etsy Support/Staff, etc., it will appear in the "From Etsy" Folder (in Messages). If it isn't there, Mark the Message as Spam (so you don't get dinged for S Seller).  *"From Etsy" Folder was not on the App until recently (a highlighted blurb on the Message). The thing is, should you not see this first (and be familiar with it), you could receive a scammer's Message beforehand. Also, the App does not allow you to Mark the Message as Spam (you must use a browser instead, or use the Buyer App).

Also for future, many scammers are posing as "Buyers", stating they need your email for an Order. They don't, Etsy already has it. When you receive a LEGIT Order, it will appear in "Orders & Shipping" (Left Column of Shop Dashboard); if it isn't there, you have no Order.  Mark the scammer's Message as Spam (so you don't get dinged for S Seller).  And never click on links or engage with them.

Etsy should be able to nail these FAKE accounts who are impersonating Etsy Staff/Support, etc. It's happening way too often. For a while now, Sellers have been reporting that legitimate Buyer Messages are being put in "Spam" by Etsy (obviously a glitch to combat the scamming problem). Here is the Help Article re: Scams.
https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000343128-How-to-Handle-Scams-and-Suspicious-Messages?seg...

Hope this is helpful to you.

[LAKEandFELLart]

@IsmaelCreative @WhitePixelsCreations @SwordandThistleBooks

messages from Etsy will be in your from Etsy inbox ( if you go to your messages you will see you have a label for this )