List of Mercari Scams to Avoid

What is Mercari?

Mercari is an online marketplace that allows users to buy and sell used items. It is often compared to Facebook Marketplace. Well, established in 2013 and based in Japan, Mercari has rapidly grown into a global online marketplace where items range from vintage clothing to electronics. Its surging popularity may raise eyebrows, but let’s be clear, Mercari is indeed a legitimate platform. However, just like any other online marketplaces or marketplace, it’s not devoid of challenges and Mercari scams do exist. Scammers are universal, making their way to any platform that offers them potential victims. Therefore, we find ourselves asking, “Is Mercari legit?” Below is a list of Mercari scams.

List of Mercari Scams

• New Seller Scam: New account utilizes stolen images and fake product description from listings that were recently sold.
• Damaged Item Scam: Seller sells a genuine product, then the buyer messages the seller claiming the item is not real or damaged. The buyer later returns a counterfeit or damaged item back to the seller, while holding onto the original product.
• Fake Customer Support: Scammer will pretend to be a customer support representative from Mercari.
• Phishing Scam: Scammers send phishing email or fake text messages in an attempt to steal user’s sensitive information, such as credit card or login credentials.
• “Accidental” Overpayment: Scammer will pay more than actual price, then request for a refund. Once the seller refunds, the scammer will keep the refund, but the seller will realize the initial payment was fraudulent or stolen funds.
• Gift card scam: Either the buyer or seller will conduct fraudulent transactions using gift cards, where tracking activity is very challenging.
• Bait Switch Item: The listing will show a genuine product, but the shipped product will be fake or lower quality.

How to Verify Credit Card on Mercari

1. Enter your credit card information (credit card number, expiration date, and CVV)
2. Mercari will temporarily authorize two pending transactions, where each transaction may be up to $2.
3. The pending transactions will go away after 24 hours has passed from the initial authorization.

Is Mercari a Legitimate Online Marketplace?

Fake profiles? Yeah, they exist. Their MO? They aim to lure unsuspecting buyers into making purchases for non-existent items. Mercari, however, has strict policies in place to avoid fake listings, and they permanently ban users who breach their terms of service. Notably, they’ve implemented mandatory ID verification for sellers to curb fake profiles. But hey, scammers are crafty. To stay a step ahead, always check out the seller’s profile, their reviews, and the time they’ve been on the platform before clicking that ‘buy’ button.

Avoid Being Scammed by Fake Listings

Admit it, we all love a good deal, but in the online marketplace, some deals are simply too good to be true. Cheap knockoffs or counterfeit products often flood digital platforms, and Mercari is no exception. Scammers exploit this by posting listings of popular items at ridiculously low prices or create fake listings. Here’s the drill though, they often have no intention of actually delivering these items. So, while that heavily discounted designer bag might look tempting, don’t let your guard down.

Before you swoop in for the supposed steal, take a moment to inspect the product images carefully. Are they stock photos ripped straight off Google? Or do they look like genuine photos taken by the seller? Stock images could be a red flag that the seller doesn’t actually possess the item.

7 Tips For Buyers To Avoid Mercari Scams

Prevention, as they say, is better than cure. Here are seven nuggets of wisdom to help you avoid Mercari scams:

1. Stay Sharp with Seller Reviews: Reviews can be a lighthouse in the murky waters of online shopping. Are the reviews mostly positive? You’re probably on the right track. Spot some negatives? Give them a read—repeated issues could hint at a less-than-reliable seller. While a few poor reviews don’t necessarily mean trouble, a pattern of unhappy customers is a definite red flag.
2. Sidestep Scams with Cancelled Transactions: Frequent cancellations can indicate a problematic seller. If a Mercari user consistently cancels transactions, it could mean they’re listing items they can’t or won’t actually sell. It’s best to steer your shopping cart in another direction.
3. Benefit from Badges: Mercari’s badge system separates the reputable sellers from the riskier ones. A ‘Reliable’ badge, for instance, signals a seller who rarely cancels transactions. Let these badges guide you towards trustworthy vendors.
4. Comply with Mercari’s Rules: Sellers who don’t play by Mercari’s rules can spell trouble. If they’re listing prohibited items, they might not be the most trustworthy.
5. Mitigate Misrepresentation: Full transparency is crucial in online purchases. If the seller skimps on product details or provides fuzzy photos, don’t hesitate to ask for more info or better pictures.
6. Avoid Ambiguity: Unclear details? Skewed information? Ambiguity could be a scammer’s playground. If you’re not getting clear answers or the listing seems off, trust your instincts and move along.
7. Checkout Smartly: Always use the secure payment methods provided by Mercari. While PayPal may offer additional protections on some platforms, on Mercari, the best practice is to use the in-app payment system. This ensures that your transactions are protected by Mercari’s robust buyer protection policy.

Navigating the waters of online marketplaces and selling platform like Mercari can seem a bit daunting, but armed with these practical tips, you’ll be well-equipped to spot the red flags and dodge potential Mercari scams.

International Shipping Mercari Scam

International shipping, while exciting for the sheer variety it offers, comes with its own set of challenges. When you buy from legitimate sellers overseas, factors like shipping costs, delivery times, and even the possibility of import duties can make the process more complex. But let’s talk about the big elephant in the room: the fake or incorrect tracking numbers scam.

Fraudsters may provide invalid tracking numbers, which can leave you waiting for a package that will never arrive. To sidestep this Mercari scam, consider using Mercari’s prepaid label or purchase insurance. This way, your shipment will be protected and tracked.

Moreover, always confirm the shipping carrier’s information with the seller. If you’re feeling even a bit suspicious, verify the tracking number independently with the carrier. With the tracking number, you can track their Mercari order. As a rule of thumb, it’s always good practice to keep all communication and transactions within the Mercari platform. If things go south, you can report the seller and the app will have a full record of the interaction.

Fake Customer Service Representatives

Scammers aren’t only posing as sellers. A rather brazen breed of them impersonate customer service representatives. They usually get in touch through emails or messages, asking you to divulge sensitive information such as your password or credit card details under the guise of ‘verifying your account’ or ‘resolving an issue’.

Remember, no genuine Mercari customer service rep will ask for such information. They have secure methods to verify your identity and don’t require access to your personal account details.

You should only communicate with Mercari support through the official app or website. Any message or email you receive outside these channels is probably a scam. If you suspect you’re being targeted, don’t respond. Report the incident to Mercari through their official channels immediately. By reporting Mercari scams, you’re not just protecting yourself, but also helping to make the Mercari community a safer place.

Are You Safe on Mercari?

Mercari has multiple layers of security measures in place to ensure the protection of its users. For starters, they have a secure in-app messaging system, which means personal contact information need not be shared with other platforms. Plus, all payments are processed in-app using secure methods, and your personal details are encrypted for added safety.

But the cherry on top is Mercari’s approach to payment disbursement. They don’t release the payment to the seller until you, the buyer, confirm you’ve received the item as described. This is a substantial layer of protection as it ensures your money isn’t lost if the item isn’t as promised or never arrives.

Despite these protective measures, beware of the “bait and switch” scam. This is when sellers advertise one item but send something entirely different or of lesser value. To avoid falling victim to this, always confirm the item upon delivery before rating the seller. You have three days from delivery to confirm the seller shipped item matches the description. If it doesn’t, you can request a return through Mercari’s in-app process.

Be Aware Of Mercari Policies

Understanding Mercari’s policies can help protect you from scams and make your buying experience smoother. Two main policies to be aware of are the Prohibited Items Policy and the Cancellation Policy for buyers.

Mercari’s Prohibited Items Policy outlines what can’t be sold on the online platform. Items like weapons, alcohol, or counterfeit goods make the prohibited list. A seller listing such items is a clear violation of Mercari’s rules and is a major red flag. Always report such listings.

The Cancellation Policy for buyers, on the other hand, allows buyers to cancel a purchase within a certain timeframe under specific circumstances. Familiarize yourself with this policy to understand what options are available to you if you change your mind about a purchase or suspect a scam.

Does Mercari Have Buyer Protection for Mercari Scams?

Yes, Mercari does provide buyer protection. It’s called the Mercari Buyer Protection Guarantee, and it’s specifically designed to protect users keep your purchasing process secure. Once you’ve bought an item, Mercari holds your payment. Only after you’ve confirmed that the item you’ve received matches its description does Mercari release your payment to the seller.

However, this is where your attention to detail comes in handy. Be sure to scrutinize your purchases immediately upon receiving them. If an item doesn’t match the description or there are undisclosed defects, you have three days from the date of delivery to request a return. After this period, sales become final. So, ensure you inspect your purchases within this timeframe to avail of the buyer protection if required.

Mercari’s Reliable Badge

You might wonder what the ‘Reliable’ badge on some selling on Mercari’ profiles means. Well, it’s not just for decoration. It’s a seal of approval from Mercari, acknowledging that the seller is dependable and rarely cancels transactions. If you see this badge on a seller’s profile, it’s a pretty good sign that they’re legit.

However, even if a seller doesn’t have the Reliable badge, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re untrustworthy. The badge system is just one of many ways to measure a seller’s reliability. Always make sure to cross-check with other indicators such as their reviews, response rate, and listing practices.

Mercari’s List of Prohibited Items

As a seller, you must adhere to Mercari’s policies, one of which includes not listing items that Mercari has prohibited. These can range from hazardous materials to counterfeit items or certain animal products. By listing such items, you risk having your account suspended.

Buyers should also be aware of these prohibited items. If you come across a listing that seems to flout these rules, it could be a potential red flag. Report such listings to Mercari for review.

Real Listing Image, Fake Product

It’s the old bait-and-switch trick, and it’s not as fun as it sounds. Sellers might post pictures of an item in pristine condition, but what you receive is anything but. To avoid such Mercari scams, ask for multiple photos of the product from different angles. A legitimate seller will happily comply.

On the flip side, if you’re a seller, ensure you provide clear and honest descriptions of your items. It fosters trust to attract buyers and encourages more sales. Misrepresentation can lead to cancellations, returns, and negative reviews.

Use Mercari’s Prepaid Label or Purchase Insurance

When shipping items, Mercari offers the option of using their prepaid label, which is not only convenient but also provides a degree of protection. The tracking information is automatically updated, helping both the buyer and seller keep tabs on the package. However, if retail price of the item you’re selling is over $200, Mercari suggests purchasing additional insurance.

From a buyer’s perspective, sellers using Mercari’s prepaid labels or providing insurance on high-value items are generally safer to deal with. It signifies they’re invested in ensuring the product reaches you safely.

Check the Tracking Number

When a seller ships an item, they should provide a tracking number as part of the shipping process. This tracking number is vital for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to follow the journey of your item from the seller to your doorstep, giving you peace of mind about where your purchase is at any given moment. It also provides an estimated delivery date, helping you know when you can expect to receive your package.

However, in the digital marketplace, not every seller plays by the rules. Some scammers will provide fake tracking numbers, or even real tracking numbers for different shipments, to mislead both buyers and sellers. These scams can give the illusion of a shipped item when, in reality, no shipment exists. Alternatively, they may be used to trick the system into believing an item has been delivered to the correct address when it has been sent elsewhere.

If the tracking information appears instantly with a far-off location or the item seems to be delivered too fast, these could be signs of a fake tracking number. On the other hand, if the tracking number shows no progress or movement for an extended period, it could mean that the number is for a different package or an item that hasn’t been shipped.

Don’t Send Payment Outside of Mercari

Mercari has crafted its in-app payment system with user safety and convenience at the forefront. The platform acts as a middleman in transactions, holding onto the buyer’s payment until they confirm that the received item matches the description. This process is known as escrow, and Mercari accounts it’s a crucial safeguard against fraudulent transactions.

When you pay through the app, Mercari holds onto the funds until you, as the buyer, receive the item and mark it as received. This way, if something goes wrong — say, the item never arrives, or it arrives in a condition far from the one described — you have a safety net. You the angry buyer can reach out to Mercari and file a complaint. Since the funds are still within their system, they can facilitate a refund.

Given this protection, any seller who insists on a secure payment method outside of Mercari’s platform is waving a big, red flag. They might pitch it as a way to avoid fees, expedite the payment, or make the transaction easier. Remember that circumventing the in-app payment system means you lose all the protections it offers. It’s a common tactic used by scammers looking to swindle unsuspecting buyers. Remember to stay informed on the latest Mercari scams to ensure you have secure shopping experience.

Categorised in: Scams

This post was written by Adrian Yang