Maheen purchased a new Dyson Airwrap for £260 on the resale platform Vinted, drawn by the seller’s five-star reviews and the site’s buyer-protection policy. Typically sold for £400 to £480, the price seemed too good to raise any suspicions for Maheen, who had positive prior experiences with Vinted.
After using the product a few times, she noticed smoke coming from the wire, prompting her to contact Dyson. The company confirmed that the device was counterfeit and deemed unsafe, resulting in its confiscation. This incident highlights a broader issue, as research from credit reference agency Experian reveals that approximately 37% of Britons have experienced scams on online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Vinted.
Scams are particularly prevalent among younger users; over half of Gen Z respondents indicated they had fallen victim to such fraud, compared to just 16% of individuals aged 55 and older. Losses varied, with nearly 25% reporting losses between £51 and £100, and 13% facing losses exceeding £250. The most common scam reported involved counterfeit products, followed by requests for off-platform payments and items that never arrived after payment was made.
Scammers often mimic legitimate items, and more than half of victims recognized they were scammed only upon receiving a fake item or none at all. Signs of a scam may include low-resolution photos or prices significantly lower than expected. If purchasing, experts recommend scrutinizing seller profiles and sticking to secure payment methods.
In light of her situation, Maheen faced challenges in recovering her funds due to missing the two-day buyer protection window. Eventually, with assistance, she was able to receive her money back. A Vinted spokesperson stated that while most transactions proceed smoothly, they actively mediate disputes as necessary. If direct appeals yield no results, consumers are urged to explore options such as chargeback claims through banks or seeking refunds under fraud protection measures.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/oct/19/how-to-avoid-counterfeit-scams-on-vinted-and-other-resale-sites