Someone impersonating my account

[#1]

Hello! Someone stole my username and shop photo on Etsy and is impersonating my account! A little backstory: I originally was called “shopsumac” and then rebranded to “Punchbuns” but I couldn’t figure out how to change my Etsy username. Then today, I find out that someone has taken that username and used my shop photo. They are also using listing photos I have posted on other platforms. They are asking people to pay them through PayPal and off-app. How do I go about this? I have been getting messages from people on social media asking to buy the items this fake shop is “selling” but they are not affiliated with me. Please help!

[shopsumac]

I do also own the domain Punchbuns.com if that makes any difference

[GlassyFields]

Sad that you created a PunchBuns brand that has now been stolen.

I'd keep my eye out for them elsewhere and report any issues ... infringement (stolen photos), requests to pay offline, etc.

If cease to appear anywhere on the internet, you've succeeded in protecting your brand name.

But on Etsy, you'll need to be something else ... mayby PunchBunsOriginal, or AuthenticPunchBuns or PunchBuns1

And it might be a good idea to distinguish yourself from them by adding something to your name.

Sad when other sellers can't be original.

[shopsumac]

Thank you for being so understanding. I truly never thought something like this would happen, and I would feel terrible if anyone got scammed thinking that it had any affiliation with me. I am @punchbuns on every single selling platform (other than Etsy, which I never sell on). I am so disappointed that they took my original listing photos and original avatar photo that I made. Appreciate you!

[GlassyFields]

I just took a look at the Etsy store being discussed here.

No location - but ships from Austria.

Description shows shipping is free and item will arrive in 1 day.

Shipping is $11,000 and change. !!!

I looked at first listing and the bottle has offensive language on the top. 

And of course the other stuff people have mentioned.

I couldn't figure out what the store was all about ... discontinued perfume from a collection - store owner's name was different from the collection name. And a perfume and t-shirt bundle ?. But no sizes or anything for the t-shirt. I was totally confused by the listing I looked at.

It was a pretty sad looking Etsy store. I doubt that impersonating anyone will help them much. But I'd want to distance myself from them as much as possible.

[shopsumac]

I have submitted multiple reports, just waiting on Etsy to review them. Hopefully that account gets removed, especially for requesting that people only buy through PayPal donation. It’s all so outrageous. Thank you so much for being so empathetic to my situation!

[nineteen27]

wow.

i just looked at the shop.

i had no idea...

you could have a LIVE link to a paypal donation page.

and he put it in the *add your personalization* wording.

i have never seen that before.

and he is doing that under the donation paypal button page.

so he does not have to refund anyone... if they complain about the scam.

because... the customers *donated* their money to him.

geez.

these scam people know more than i do.

[shopsumac]

It is horrible! I couldn’t believe they can add a PayPal donation link. Really hoping Etsy looks at my reports soon.

[HauteVintageJewels]

This takes scamming to a new "low" level even for scamming!

[luxcrafter]

Love the scammer's attempt at getting folks to paypal.  Idiot.  

We cannot accept payments here due to high fees and payments issues and restrictions. You can pay through PayPal donation. This means purchasing { a $132 item } the product for 95$ and receiving free shipping.    paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=UGUEBYSMMRWAU 

[shopsumac]

Exactly! The guy running that page is ridiculous! Unfortunately, I worry that not everyone is as aware of it being an obvious scam. Hope that Etsy takes it seriously, and removes them from the platform!

[BagmakerSupply]

@shopsumac: "... Someone stole my username and shop photo on Etsy and is impersonating my account!" From the sound of it, it may be time for a lawyer. That they have used the "same" shop name is a border line legal issue, but impersonation is potentially a criminal offense particularly if they are also using your logo and doing so to mislead people. It is a murky area but you may very well have a trademark which you can defend - even if it is an unregistered trademark.

[shopsumac]

That is a great idea! If Etsy does not appropriately take care of this, I will pursue legal action for defamation of some sort. Thank you for your input!

[hopeandjoystudios]

It is best if you have a dormant account to totally close it. Hackers have been taking over "abandoned" shops for nefarious purposes. 

[FabioMcMustache · Accepted solution]

Hello! We're sorry to hear you're experiencing these issues. We've forwarded your concerns to a specialist team, and your case is being worked on as we speak - Moving forward, they will handle it directly with you, so please stay tuned to your email as they may reach out through there. Thank you! 

Please know we handle support inquiries privately per our Community Policy – we’re closing this thread, so you can get the support you need from us directly.