Messages where there is no message.

[GracebyFaithJewelry]

Hi! I'm new to Etsy and I have my own store that I have set up. I received a message that said it was a new potential customer, but when I clicked on it, there was a QR code. It said to click on the code because my account had been temporarily suspended until it gets verified. I opened it two weeks ago, so imagine my surprise when I found out my account needed to be verified... I have had no sales, and quite honestly, it's been kind of a downer, but I know it's a new shop, so perhaps it will do well after it's been out there for a little while. My question is, was this a legit message from Etsy about my account verification, and/or is this a scam? Or is it someone's attempt to order one of my items, but it is just not showing up? I am so confused, and I feel silly for asking, but I can't find the answers when I try to Google it or anything...

Thank you!

[Martybugs]

That's a scam.

[ZehOriginalArt]

Any message asking you to scan a QR code is a scam. You are right to question it. Mark it as spam.

Next time, look at your messages using a browser (not the app) and look for the section that says From Etsy. Click to open that. If the message is not in "From Etsy" when it appears to be from Etsy, then it is a scam. Anyone can send a message to your inbox, but only Etsy can send one to the From Etsy section.

[BagmakerSupply]

@GracebyFaithJewelry: "I have had no sales, and quite honestly, it's been kind of a downer ..."  With every passing day, a shop can rely less and less on Etsy Search. You need to initially drive your own traffic and sales so that the algorithm learns that people want what you are selling.

[Natalya1905]

When you're about to reply to any message. be sure to read the Etsy note: "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." 

Don't click any links. Don't scan any QR codes. Don't give your email, phone number, personal or financial information. Mark such messages as Spam. 

"I have had no sales, and quite honestly, it's been kind of a downer," - Your shop is unfinished. I would suggest to read Etsy Handbook and Shop Critiques forum section for detailed information. 

[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.