The 8 Common Poshmark Scams to Look Out for in 2025

June 27, 2025 By Janne Smith No Comments 6 minutes

Poshmark is a social commerce platform launched in 2011, now boasting over 130 million users. It’s the place to get and offload vintage Chanel bags or last year’s boots. But as you browse through this marketplace, you may wonder: Is Poshmark legit? Is Poshmark safe? And most importantly, are there Poshmark scams?

Spoiler alert: Poshmark is legit as a runway show at Fashion Week. Its Posh Protect policy and authentication services keep the transactions secure. Yet, just like a crowded bazaar, scammers on Poshmark sneak around, eyeing unsuspecting buyers and sellers.

Note: Use FastestVPN to secure your internet connection if you’re using the platform on a public Wi-Fi. It protects your confidential data from falling into the hands of a scammer. 

Is Poshmark Safe?

So, is Poshmark legit? Absolutely. Poshmark is a peer-to-peer website where users list everything from Gucci heels to some pretty quirky throw pillows. Posh Protect holds buyer payments hostage until items are approved and protects sellers with prepaid USPS shipping labels. Orders over $400 require a signature upon delivery. Since its founding, Poshmark has processed millions of transactions and has become an instant hit with fashion magazines and shoppers.

However, many users have complained about the scams on Poshmark. What about fakes? Is Poshmark legit, and does it sell fakes? Well, Poshmark doesn’t sell at all. It’s their users who sell. Posh Authenticate will authenticate luxury items valued at $ 500 or more, but some crafty and sneaky fakes might slip through the cracks.

8 Poshmark Scams to Spot and How to Avoid

Now that you have an answer to is Poshmark legit, remember that scams on Poshmark are hard to spot unless you know what to look for. Below, we have listed 8 scams on Poshmark that can make your shopping experience imperfect, and how to avoid these scams.

1. The Shady Buyer Email Trap

Imagine this: you have listed a shiny clutch and your “buyer” comments,” Pictures are poor! Please email me more.” “Poshmark mail” is a bait-scam phishing attempt to obtain your login or personal information.

How to tell if Poshmark buyer is legit: Keep it all in the app or website, and report shady users quickly.

2. Return Fraud Runway Rip-off

The buyer grabs your perfect jacket, claims it’s “not as described,” and sends back a rag with a rip, while keeping your gem and their refund.

How to tell if Poshmark buyer is legit: Sellers, snap pics and videos before you send it out. Buyers take a quick look at everything and report any issues found within three days.

3. Off-Platform Payment Policy

They sweet-talk you into agreeing to Venmo or Zelle and flap their wings from there. Poof-off, they go with your item or dispute payment.

How to tell if Poshmark buyer is legit: Use the Poshmark payment system. Off-platform deals are a no-go.

4. Missing Bundle Item Mischief

You have sold a bundle of scarves plus earrings. The buyer claims that half is missing and is now demanding a refund, even though you packed it all.

How to tell if Poshmark buyer is legit: Sellers, photograph every item in the bundle and list them in the package. Buyers, double-check your delivery.

5. Counterfeit Couture Con

“A Prada” bag is listed by a seller for pennies, but it’s faker than a reality TV plot. The scams on Poshmark lie with the bargain hunters.

How to tell if Poshmark buyer is legit: Buyers, scope out seller feedback and skip stock photos. Use Posh Authenticate for big-ticket items. Sellers, prove authenticity with receipts.

6. Fake Poshmark Email Phishing Fiasco

An email blares, “Your Poshmark account has an issue!” But this is just one scam’s bait to click on malicious links.

How to tell if Poshmark buyer is legit: Watch out for unsolicited Poshmark emails and keep checking the app or site for anything important. FastestVPN encrypts your connection, protecting you from hackers.

7. Unauthorized Return Ruse

A buyer returns a random item, claiming that it is what you sent, in accordance with Poshmark’s return policy.

How to tell if Poshmark buyer is legit: Inspect returned items and report mismatches to sellers.

8. Price Manipulation Mirage

Sellers hike prices and then make drastic reductions to create FOMO, mostly booking to refer below-par or fake products.

How to tell if Poshmark buyer is legit: Buyers, research market prices and compare listings. If it looks too good to be true, it is probably a scam.

Tips on How to Avoid Poshmark Scams

While the answer is a yes to “is Poshmark legit?” Here are tips to save yourself from scams on Poshmark:

• Stay On-Platform: Use Poshmark’s payment and chat systems for Posh Protect’s full glamour.
• Snap the Evidence: Sellers, document items with photos and videos. Buyers, inspect deliveries and report issues.
• Vet Your VIPs: Check buyer or seller profiles for feedback and transaction history. Newbies might be risky.
• Price Check: For comparative listings, check one against another as these make it easy to spot fishy offers screaming Poshmark scams.
• Lock It Down: Secure your connection with FastestVPN by encrypting your Wi-Fi, especially on public networks, to protect your Poshmark sessions.
• Sound the Alarm: Alert shady activities to Poshmark’s support with screenshots as proof.

How to Spot a Legit Poshmark Buyer

Find profiles that have good feedback with a transaction history. Avoid those profiles that are new and have no activity. Furthermore, if any Poshmark buyer presses to engage in chatting or making payments off-platform, there is a significant possibility that they are engaging in a Poshmark buyer scam.

Suitable facilities are available at Poshmark to keep you safe from scammers:

• Posh Protect: Holds buyer payments until the buyer approves the item. Prepaid label protection for the Poshmark scams for sellers.
• Posh Authenticate: Completes checks on luxury items valued at $500 or more. What makes you sure you won’t receive a fake?
• Report Runway: A member can bring up fraud, which could eventually lead to account bans.
• Style Tips: The Support center offers safety tips.

No platform can be 100% safe from fraud. However, when employed properly, these tools make Poshmark a safe platform where you can easily buy and sell items.

Caught in a Poshmark Scam? Here Is Your Way Out

When a scammer crashes your party on Poshmark, here is your way to escape those scams on Poshmark:

• Stop responding: Treat the scammer like an ex at a gala.
• Inform Poshmark: Visit the support center with screenshots and transaction IDs.
• Inform Your Bank: Report fraud and ask for a chargeback if you sent money.
• Change Your Passwords: This will expel any intruders from Poshmark and any linked accounts.
• Monitor Your Wallet: Keep an account for sneaky charges.

Poshmark’s support team investigates, but having good evidence, such as pictures and/or chat logs, can strengthen your case.

Final Thoughts!

So, is Poshmark legit? Poshmark is a great platform for buying and selling items. Some people do think about phishing emails, fake items, or return shenanigans. Educate yourself about Poshmark scams, use the tools given by Poshmark, and wrap your data tightly with FastestVPN’s advanced features. Stay aware, take notes, and report if you notice a scam to their support team.

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