Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Is Depop a Scam or Legitimate E-commerce Marketplace?
Is Depop a Scam or Legitimate E-commerce Marketplace?

Depop is a legitimate, global fashion resale marketplace owned by the major e-commerce platform Etsy. However, because it operates as a peer-to-peer marketplace where individual users buy and sell directly with one another, scammers do target the platform. You can use Depop safely by recognizing common red flags and understanding how the app's protection policies work.

Common Scams to Avoid

  • Off-Platform Transactions: Sellers or buyers asking to move communication or payment outside the app (e.g., via Venmo, CashApp, bank transfers, or PayPal Friends & Family).
  • Phishing Links: Fraudulent direct messages or emails pretending to be Depop support asking you to "verify your account" or click a link to complete a sale.
  • Bait-and-Switch Listings: Sellers using stolen photos or listing items at prices that are unrealistically low, only to ship a fake, damaged, or entirely different item.
  • Fake Payment Confirmations: Scammers sending fake, edited screenshots claiming they paid for an item to trick a seller into shipping it.

How to Stay Safe

  • Never Leave the App: Complete all messaging and checkout steps directly through the official Depop website or app.
  • Rely on Depop Protection: Buying in-app automatically qualifies you for Depop Protection, meaning you can get a full refund if your item never arrives or is not as described.
  • Vet the User: Check a seller’s reviews, star ratings, and typical shipping times on their profile before hitting buy.
  • Avoid "Trades": Do not agree to loose item swaps, as Depop cannot enforce or guarantee peer-to-peer trades.
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