32% of buyers scammed on popular secondhand sites

  • Fraud prevalent on secondhand marketplaces like Depop, Shpock, and Preloved
  • 32% of buyers have been scammed on secondhand marketplaces in the past two years
  • Most common scams involve incorrect products, empty packages, and counterfeit items
  • 22% of sellers have also reported being scammed
  • Purchase scams make up 66% of reported APP fraud cases
  • Proper checks and quick removal of scam profiles needed on secondhand marketplaces
  • Depop offers Depop Protection for buyers and sellers
  • eBay joins Depop in ditching fashion selling fees for pre-worn clothing

Fraud is a significant issue on secondhand marketplaces, particularly on platforms like Depop, Shpock, and Preloved, according to a recent survey by consumer champion Which?. The survey, which involved 1,300 buyers, revealed that 32% of them had been scammed while using secondhand marketplaces in the past two years. The most common scams reported included receiving incorrect products, receiving nothing at all, receiving empty packages, and receiving counterfeit items. The survey also found that 22% of sellers had reported being scammed. This comes as purchase scams were identified as the most common type of authorised push payment (APP) fraud, accounting for 66% of cases reported to banks. Which? director of policy and advocacy, Rocio Concha, highlighted the importance of checking seller reviews and profiles when buying and selling secondhand goods online. However, Concha also emphasised that secondhand marketplaces need to take responsibility for preventing scammers from advertising and swiftly removing scam profiles. Depop, one of the platforms mentioned in the survey, responded by encouraging users to report suspicious behaviour and assuring them of their Depop Protection policy, which offers full refunds for issues such as non-delivery or items not as described. In a similar move, eBay recently announced the removal of fashion selling fees for pre-worn clothing, aiming to promote circular fashion. The decision was influenced by consumer research that revealed a low percentage of shoppers selling their unwanted clothes despite having many unworn items in their wardrobes.

Factuality Level: 7
Factuality Justification: The article provides specific details from a new research study conducted by Which? and includes quotes from the organization’s director of policy and advocacy. The information is relevant and focused on the prevalence of fraud on secondhand marketplaces, supported by survey data. The article does not contain significant digressions, misleading information, sensationalism, or bias.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about fraud on secondhand marketplaces, backed by research data from Which?. It includes details on the most common scams, statistics on buyers and sellers being scammed, and recommendations for consumers and marketplaces to prevent fraud. The article also mentions responses from companies like Depop and eBay, as well as initiatives to address the issue like Depop Protection policy and eBay’s fashion selling fees change.
Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Rating Justification: The article does not pertain to financial topics and does not describe any extreme events.

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