Someone just sent a message that they were interested in an item in our shop and wanted us to send them an email address. I replied asking why they needed it. Is this a scam?
Yes, it is usually the beginning of a scam. There is no reason a buyer would need it.
Do not give it out. State that everything has to stay on etsy
You have good instincts, kudos for questioning. Also know that you can always contact Etsy Support with concerns like this.
Don't! No way a real potential customer would need your email address, phone number or any other info.
Read the Etsy note when you're going to reply to a message:
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.
Definitely a scam, and I'm sorry you were targeted. Many scammers are posing as "Buyers", stating they need your email for an Order. They don't, Etsy already has it. When you receive a LEGIT Order, it will appear in "Orders & Shipping" (Left Column of Shop Dashboard); 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.
Scammers have been hitting new Sellers as well as seasoned ones. QR Codes is one of the scams. "Verification" is another, as well as posing as Etsy Staff/Support, etc. 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). *"From Etsy" Folder was not on the App until recently (a highlighted blurb on the Message). The thing is, should you not see this first (and be familiar with it), you could receive a scammer's Message beforehand. Also, the App does not allow you to Mark the Message as Spam (you must use a browser instead, or use the Buyer App).
Here is the Announcement about the "From Etsy" Folder (currently this is in past Announcements).
https://community.etsy.com/t5/Announcements/New-From-Etsy-section-in-Messages/m-p/143722497#M1899
Here is the other Announcement, "Protect Your Account With These Security Tips" (it is now in past Announcements).
https://community.etsy.com/t5/Announcements/Protect-Your-Account-With-These-Security-Tips/m-p/143158...
Hope this is helpful to you.