How can I still verify myself to respond to my first message?

[YSCustomDesign]

Hi there, I received a notification on my cellphone that a buyer "Donna" was trying to contact you But before that, you need to verify yourself. I thought I should verify using my laptop. After I open the email I don't see any verification link or message. I have tried everywhere but still no luck. I don't know how can I verify myself. If someone can help that would be great. It's going to be my first order

[BagatellesFrance]

Scam! You don’t need to verify yourself to anyone but Etsy

[YSCustomDesign]

I have received a notification on the "Etsy App". There is also a link attached for verification. But for some reason, I decided to verify using my laptop. After checking emails and messages I don't find that notification. I am trying to find it on the app as well. But still no luck.

[PillowDetails · Accepted solution]

Again - it's a SCAM  @YSCustomDesign   This is not how it works normally.

If you'd like, I can message you now through your shop to show you what a normal message will look like.

You may get a sound and a number on your Etsy Seller app, if you have enabled notifications.  On desktop, you will see a red number over your shop icon and your profile icon.  On the profile icon, under messages, you'll see the red number.  Clicking on messages, on desktop or the app will show a message, when you then click/tap on to read and answer.

Let me know if you want me to send a test meassage.

[YSCustomDesign]

Hi there, Thanks for the response. Yes, I would like to do a test. If you can help me that would be great. I was so nervous that what if I didn't reply to my first message? How many times do I have to verify myself?

[GlassyFields]

Never mind ... if there is no message ... then its a scam.

I've gotten messages from someone who hasn't contacted me before and Etsy has said 'do you want to accept this message'. Is that what you mean by verification? I say Yes and read the message. Often its a question in which case I respond. If the message was spam or asked me to click on a link ... I'd mark it as Spam.

I do feel more comfortable working on a laptop ... seems to be more options than with the Etsy app. I get notifications on my mobile phone but go to my laptop to respond to messages or do anything else that needs to be done.

[YSCustomDesign]

I think you're right. It's a scam. Because if I have received a message on the app I should see that message on the laptop as well. Thank God, I didn't click that link. Thanks for the help

[PillowDetails]

@YSCustomDesign   I messaged you through your listing page, so it will show the listing linked.  If I messaged you through your shop profile, it wouldn't show that.

[YSCustomDesign]

It worked. Thank you so much for the help. I appreciate it

[FallenAngelBrass]

Authentic messages from Etsy come via your "From Etsy" message folder.  They are clearly marked.  Nobody can use this folder but Etsy.  That's an easy way to discern scams from real Etsy messages. 

[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

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.

[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.