@HJHandmadewithLove
It's a SCAM read and memorize this from Bradgoodell, note that it has been updated, find the updated list if you can. good luck
by bradgoodell Community Maker
07-08-2023 10:25 AM
I've been keeping a list of scams reported on Etsy. The best protection is to keep 2 things in mind:
Do not take the conversation off Etsy. meaning no email, phone calls, SMS/texting, WhatsApp, etc. If they contacted you on Etsy, they can continue to contact you on Etsy.
NEVER click on a link. Scammers will send links they claim to be design files, a listing of items they want to buy, or a (fake) Etsy link to verify your account. NEVER CLICK. It is either malware, or will take you to a (fake) Etsy web page.
If people simply kept those two things in mind, scammers would be stopped 99% of the time.
Anyway, here is my list of Red Flags.
New seller
High dollar item or large sale amount
Odd or awkward-sounding language
They want to take the conversation off Etsy (they ask for your email)
Someone messages you and claims you may have been a victim of fraud, and requests your email address to "resolve the issue"
You get a (FAKE) message from Etsy Support telling you that they are having technical issues and asking if you've received notification of an order in the last few minutes.
You get a (FAKE) Live Chat message.
You get a phone call from someone claiming to be Etsy. Etsy doesn’t cold-call sellers.
“Etsy Support” claims they want to contact you by text/SMS. Etsy doesn’t text, they use Etsy messages and/or email.
Anyone claiming to be from Etsy who asks for your phone number or login information is a scam.
You get an email requesting you "complete" the order as its currently on hold and asks your for your debit card information.
You get an email from (FAKE) Etsy saying Etsy is changing payment methods and will send money directly to your credit or debit card. Etsy has not changed their payment method.
You go back to their account, and it's gone
The original message has disappeared off Etsy, or has moved itself to your Spam folder.
They send you a link of some sort. DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK
They claim they cannot check-out and need your email to complete the order.
They claim your Etsy checkout isn't working, and they send you a link to "fix it”
You get an email from (FAKE) Etsy saying you need to do X to get your account verified.
You get a (FAKE) email from Etsy claim you need to buy a high dollar pre-paid Visa or American Express card to get your Etsy account working
They send you a link to a (FAKE) Etsy page that looks genuine and asks for your login and/or credit card details.
You find a (FAKE) Etsy phone number off the net and talk to a sympathetic customer service rep that wants you to download an app so they can access your account to fix something. Etsy does not have a published phone number you can call. It's a scam, the number is not Etsy's.
They want to take the sale off Etsy
They ask if something is "still available" when it's obviously for sale in your shop
They ask about the condition of an obviously new item
They ask if you are honest
There is some urgency, such as a birthday or anniversary
They claim they are in the Navy, an oceanographer, on a cruise ship, on a research vessel in Antartica
They ask you to buy a high dollar gift card and include it in the order
They will pay you extra for the inconvenience
They claim to have their own shipping company or pick-up agent
They claim an uncle is paying
They want to pay by money order or Cashier's check
They send you payment for far more than the order total
They want you to send the overage through Western Union, Venmo, etc.
They send you a (fake) PayPal email that says PayPal will release the payment after you send them the overage.
