Etsy scam through Etsy email

[DeDesignsky]

Dear Forum

I was facing an issue with GSTIN (VAT)approval, which I had updated on 1st July on the Etsy portal but not received any approval by mail yet. So, I raise my query on the Etsy help center> email us. I got an email from a customer service associate on Saturday asking for my PayPal email ID, my card's last four digits, and my PayPal account balance. I informed her that all details are available on Etsy and to take from there, but she insisted that for privacy, protection, and security purpose she needs all details by mail, and she will help to resolve the matter of my GSTIN. I found something fishy so did not respond on mail. I can't chat with the customer service associate as my chat is not working, I am not getting a link from Etsy on the chat box to connect with the customer service associate, so did not have any option except mailing.

Still, I am confused it was a scam or if customer service wanted my details to help. I am new to Etsy so requesting your guidance forum.

Thanks 

[JackisJustVintage]

They will ask qualifying questions to make sure it is you. I have had to do this in the past. I know I gave the last 4 of my card on file. I don't remember the other questions.

[BeJeweledByDEBORAH]

I can't imagine anyone would need your PayPal account balance for legitimate reasons. This sounds like a scam. Proceed cautiously.

[ArtDollsbyJD]

@BeJeweledByDEBORAH   Etsy does ask for certain information when they are helping in the financial or security area to make the person is the owner of the shop.

[JJewellerySuppliesUK]

That sounds like a scam.  Etsy would not ask about your Paypal balance. 

[FallenAngelBrass]

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@DeDesignsky wrote:

I got an email from a customer service associate....... 

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What is the email address of the sender? 

[ArtDollsbyJD]

The email might be from Clear Tax which is what Etsy is using for the GSTIN 

[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

[ArtDollsbyJD]

Use Contact us under Help.  Send an email to Etsy and ask if it is legit.  Etsy does ask questions for security reasons and it is through email.  

What Does Etsy Withhold and Remit to Indian Tax Authorities? – Etsy Help

[nineteen27]

it is definitely a scam.

red flag number 1.

you asked questions in the forum.

last thursday.

about GSTIN.

and asked how to contact etsy.

scammers can read technical issues on the forum.

that is how and why they contacted you.

DO NOT speak with them any further.

ps.

etsy does ask what your balance is on etsy.

they can check that.

but they cannot check your paypal balance.

which is red flag number 2.