New seller here… possible scam? Please help.

[ThisLilLightByStacey]

So I literally just set up my shop today and within 2 hours I got a message saying my item had sold. Below is what the message said… 

First message: (showed a hyperlink that I DIDN’T click on… link is below)

2b.m2identity

Second message:

Regards! Your item has been purchased, transaction number #56874589
ORDER ID: ff113ebd7447ade. Receipt in the portal!
Copy the Message above and add «𝘾𝙊𝙈»

———————-

I was so excited thinking I had a sell but didn’t see it anywhere on my seller dashboard that it sold. Please advise. 

[PrairieCrocusStudio]

It is a scam. Mark it as spam.

You were smart to check your dashboard for the order. 

[BKnightCo]

Yeah I had 5 messages this morning from spam messages. I just opened my shop, so it was unfortunate.

[vintageNCtreasures]

It's a scam, a buyer will never contact you with a link to click about a purchase.

Did you see this message on your message page?
It's right under the message you got (right above where you type).
"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.

https://community.etsy.com/t5/Announcements/Protect-Your-Account-From-Scammers/m-p/143158945#M1882

https://community.etsy.com/t5/Announcements/New-From-Etsy-section-in-Messages/m-p/143722497

https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/1087958808206

https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/1087958808206

[ModKenneth · 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.

[BigBrushOriginals]

I am going to close my shop.  Thats all I get

.. scam messages.  Cant Etsy figure out how to stop these.  I am afraid to add items to my shop and aftaid to answer any messages.   Bad job Etsy.

[CryzalisMasksUK]

It is an open messenger, so that customers can contact you.

Scammers can contact you via social media, your phone or any other place that has messaging services.

It would be impossible to monitor millions of messages a day.

Once you spam a few, eventually they will stop contacting you. 

The only way for Etsy to fully stop this, is by taking away the messenger, but then customers will not be able to contact you.

That is why there are warnings in the forum and under your message box to make you aware.

At the end of the day, the basic rules apply when it comes to internet security when using a public place.

Never give information to a stranger, never click on links or images and do not provide anyone with your financial or personal information.

[ButtonsforDemocracy]

Wow! They even used the same 'order number' when they tried to scam me! Don't click on it- DELETE it!

[mommawhazelsquilts]

Don't delete - SPAM it!

[BSMBoutiqueStore]

I received the same message is it a scam?

[BekkasDesignShop]

I received the same message? What is it? 

[dippeldiundscribble]

@BSMBoutiqueStore , @BekkasDesignShop 

Please read the replies from @vintageNCtreasures & @ModKenneth 

[VintageRescueSquad]

You guys! When you get a REAL order, it will show up on your dashboard. You won't have to click on any links, or verify, or anything. 

And real messages from etsy will be in the "from etsy" section of your inbox.

[vintageNCtreasures]

@BekkasDesignShop  and @BSMBoutiqueStore 

Did either of you read any of this thread??
If so, then it should be 100% clear those messages are a SCAM.

If neither of you read any of this info posted above, I'd suggest you read it PLUS look at the links that provide more info.

[SisSeas]

I just had this happen to me as well. 

[ELHCraftyCreations]

Unfortunately this has also happened to me, within hours of me setting up my shop, I received multiple email notifications advising a potential buyer had found an issue with an order and one message that asked if one of my products were still for sale, with no indication of the product they were referring to. It all seemed a bit suspicious, so luckily I checked my seller dashboard. So frustrating when you are just starting out and think you are making potential sales  

[ChillwolfArt]

@ELHCraftyCreations  Hi, Just now seeing your post. It sounds like you've been targeted by scammers, and I'm sorry about that. They tend to target new Sellers, often appearing within seconds after someone lists an item/s.  I have been seeing an increase of new Sellers coming to the Forum lately; some are being bombarded with Messages from scammers. You don't expect to start fresh on a site, and immediately get hit with this garbage. And as a new Seller, I can see where you could be caught by it; it could happen to anyone.

Many scammers are posing as "Buyers", stating they need your email for an Order. They don't, Etsy already has it. They are trying to get you to input your banking info, so they can steal from you. When you receive a LEGIT Order, it will appear in "Orders & Shipping" (Left Column of Shop Dashboard); it will also show in your Payment Account. 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.

"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).  

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, and may this garbage cease for you and for others. Best Wishes to you.

[ONLYBRACELETByRhonda]

I have sold nothing at all since I opened my shop 3 wks ago I don't know why this is happening I'm about ready to close the shop it's very depressing and I don't no why I'm selling nothing at all

[TheVintagePineapple]

@ONLYBRACELETByRhonda Three weeks is not enough time to expect the sales to start.

There are quite a few things about your listings that are lacking.  So instead of posting on older threads that are not related to your problem, I suggest you ask for a Shop Critique.

[BagmakerSupply]

@ONLYBRACELETByRhonda: As mentioned, results on Etsy are not instant, nor even as quick as they once were. The reality of Etsy is that you need to initially drive your own traffic and sales so that the algorithm learns that people want what you are selling.

You will probably find more shop specific help in the https://community.etsy.com/t5/Shop-Critiques/bd-p/shop-critiques?ref=gnav and / or https://community.etsy.com/t5/Marketing-Your-Business/bd-p/marketing?ref=gnav forums as this one is for technical issues.

[mommawhazelsquilts]

You don't show your location but it appears you are in the U.S.   Have you figured out how much it would cost you to ship that $2 bracelet to me in N.C.?

Hint:  It's more than the $2 you are charging for the bracelet.

Even at $5 you are going to come out in the hole.

[BigBrushOriginals]

I dont recall when I wrote that message.. or even if I did.  I did write that I have been receiving quite a few scam messages about sales and that that is discouraging and make me want to cancel my account.