Common Poshmark scams for sellers and buyers to look out for in 2026

What is a Poshmark scam?

A Poshmark scam typically involves bad actors trying to steal money, personal information, or goods from sellers or buyers. Common tactics include phishing for sensitive data, directing transactions off-platform, and sending fake emails that appear to be from Poshmark. Some scams specifically target buyers, while others focus on sellers, making it crucial for all users to know how to spot potential scams.

With the rise of more advanced technologies like generative AI, Poshmark scams have become increasingly sophisticated, allowing fraudsters to set up convincing schemes quickly. 

Are there a lot of scams on Poshmark?

Like other buy-and-sell marketplaces, Poshmark attracts its share of online shopping scams and internet fraud. What makes Poshmark appealing to scammers is the wide variety of items that can be bought and sold on the platform and the sheer number of users on Poshmark.

The popularity of the site creates more opportunities for bad actors to blend in and go undetected. High transaction volumes and the ease of creating new accounts make it challenging for automated systems and moderation teams to catch every scam. 

Poshmark scams for sellers

Sellers on Poshmark are often targeted by online scams, especially if they’re selling high-value or luxury goods. Common threats include phishing emails, off-platform payment scams, and return fraud. Below are some of the most common scams affecting Poshmark sellers and explain how they work.

Poshmark bundle scam

In a bundle scam, buyers ask sellers to create a bundle for multiple items, then attempt to manipulate the discount, cancel payment, or claim that one or more of the purchased items are missing. Scammers often communicate through Poshmark messages or comments, sometimes threatening to leave negative reviews to pressure sellers. This tactic can cause sellers to lose money or inventory while trying to resolve the issue.

Poshmark comment scam

Fraudsters may leave comments on listings to entice sellers to communicate off-platform. These messages may include links to complete transactions outside Poshmark. Once a sale moves off the platform, sellers lose the protection of Poshmark’s policies, leaving them at risk of losing money and inventory.

Fake emails from Poshmark

Fraudsters send phishing emails that mimic official Poshmark support notifications, prompting sellers to click malicious links or provide login and payment information. These scams can come in the form of Poshmark link scams and Poshmark verification scams, where criminals use email spoofing to make the messages look legitimate. By responding, sellers risk having their accounts hacked, losing access to their funds or inventory, and exposing their personal information.

Off-platform email scam

Scammers pose as buyers and try to request transactions via email instead of Poshmark. They may use persuasive or urgent-sounding messages to pressure sellers into agreeing. Conducting business outside the platform removes Poshmark’s protections, potentially resulting in lost revenue or merchandise for sellers.

Sale confirmation scam

Scammers send fake confirmation messages or invoices to trick sellers into shipping items for sales that aren’t real. They may combine these messages with phishing links or fake payment confirmation emails, making the transaction appear legitimate. Sellers who fall for this scam lose their items without receiving payment.

Fake item scam

Buyers claim that a legitimate item is counterfeit, damaged, or misrepresented to get a refund or free replacement. They often communicate through Poshmark messages or comments and may threaten to contact Poshmark support or leave bad reviews on the seller’s profile. Falling for this scam can result in lost inventory and funds and reputational damage to the seller’s account.

Overpayment scam

The buyer “accidentally” overpays for an item and asks the seller to refund the difference through an external method. Sellers end up losing money when the original payment is later reversed. Scammers typically communicate through Poshmark messages or email, pressuring sellers to complete the refund off-platform. 

Poshmark scams for buyers

Buyers may be a less appealing target for Poshmark scammers, since scammers generally gain more value from targeting sellers. However, they use specific tactics that can be effective against buyers. Common approaches include fake listings, counterfeit goods, and off-platform payment requests. The sections below explain these scams in detail.

Counterfeit goods scam

Similar to the fake item scam, this tactic involves knockoff goods. Scammers list fake items as authentic designer products, tricking buyers into paying for products worth much less. Buyers risk losing money and receiving counterfeit items, though transactions can be covered by Poshmark’s protection, but only if the purchase itself is completed on the platform.

Fake listings scam

Scammers create listings for items they don’t own, and buyers pay for items that are never shipped. This scam is similar to the counterfeit goods scam discussed earlier, but the caveat is that the goods are never shipped.

Shipping scam

Sellers manipulate or tamper with the shipping process after payment (such as sending empty packages or using fake tracking information), so buyers never receive their purchase. Buyers who fall victim to this scam risk losing funds and never recovering them, especially if the transaction was completed off-platform.

Account takeover scam

Hackers gain access to a buyer’s Poshmark account (often through phishing) and make unauthorized purchases or steal personal and payment information. Account takeovers can also occur if buyers are tricked into communicating off-platform — through email, fake websites, or other messages — where scammers can capture login details.

How to spot scams on Poshmark

A good rule of thumb: If an interaction or offer feels suspicious or too easy, verify the details through Poshmark directly before taking action. Some of the more common tells include:

• Too-good-to-be-true offers. Extremely low prices or “designer steals” are often used to lure buyers toward counterfeit goods or other fraud. If a deal seems unrealistic, it probably is.
• Requests to move off-platform. Scammers frequently try to move transactions to email, text, or other apps, which is a tactic commonly used in impersonation scams. Poshmark protects only on-platform purchases, so any off-platform request is a red flag. 
• Urgent or high-pressure communication. Messages pressuring you to buy or sell quickly are designed to bypass careful thinking. Legitimate buyers and sellers rarely need to rush you.
• Inconsistent communication. Confusing or contradictory messages, refusing to answer questions, poor grammar, or unexpected changes in instructions can indicate a scammer trying to manipulate you.
• Suspicious payment requests or methods. Requests for wire transfers, gift cards, or overpayments with a “refund” are common scam tactics. Poshmark payments and refunds are secure, and anything outside of them is likely fraudulent.
• Promises that bypass official Poshmark processes. Offers of refunds, bonuses, or special deals that don’t go through Poshmark’s system are almost always scams. 

Signs of a fake Poshmark seller

Because the Poshmark platform combines social networking with buying and selling, you can check for suspicious sellers by reviewing their account, profile, and overall activity. Some of the signs to look out for include:

• Descriptions that don’t match the product. Listings or screenshots that don’t match the labels on the item or product can indicate fraudulent activity. Always cross-check details. 
• Limited or suspicious reviews. New accounts with few sales, generic feedback, or mostly positive reviews with no detail may be fake or untrustworthy.
• Poor or stock photos. Low-quality images, photos copied from other websites, or inconsistent pictures of the item suggest it may not be legitimate.
• Very low prices. Deals that are significantly below market value could indicate a scam.
• Evasive responses. Sellers who avoid questions about authenticity, shipping, or item condition may be hiding the truth or scamming buyers.
• Multiple listings. Numerous listings for similar items, especially from new accounts, can be a red flag for fraud.

Signs of a fake Poshmark buyer 

Fraudulent buyers can be detected by how they conduct their business on the platform. Some common warning signs include:

• Requests for personal information. Buyers asking for personal details like your email, phone number, or financial data outside of Poshmark may be attempting fraud. Legitimate buyers rarely need information beyond what’s already provided through the platform.
• Overpayment or refund requests. A buyer who “accidentally” overpays and asks you to refund the difference is usually attempting an overpayment scam.
• Urgent or high-pressure messaging. Buyers who push you to ship immediately or act quickly are often trying to catch you off guard.
• Suspicious account behavior. Newly created accounts, no reviews, or accounts that only ask questions about expensive items may be fake or fraudulent.

How to avoid scams on Poshmark 

The best way to avoid scams on Poshmark is to keep all communication and transactions within the Poshmark platform. Doing so ensures your transactions are covered by Posh Protect and that shipping and other processes remain secure.

For sellers:

• Verify buyer profiles. Check their history, reviews, and activity. New or inactive accounts carry a higher risk and should be approached with caution.
• Keep all communication on Poshmark. Messages within the app are monitored and provide a record if disputes arise. Avoid email, text, or other off-platform conversations.
• Never accept off-platform payments. Poshmark protects transactions done through its system. Outside payments leave you vulnerable to fraudulent transactions.
• Be cautious with high offers or urgent requests. Scammers often use unusually high offers or pressure you to ship quickly. Take time to verify before acting.
• Confirm payments before shipping. Ensure the payment is reflected in your Poshmark account before sending the item, or you risk losing both the product and your money.
• Use tracked shipping. Always ship items using the prepaid Poshmark shipping label. Each label includes a tracking number tied to the order, which protects you in case of delivery issues.
• Report suspicious buyers. Flagging suspicious activity helps Poshmark monitor scams and keeps the community safer.

For buyers: 

• Verify seller profiles. Check their reviews, sales history, and activity. Established sellers with positive feedback and love notes (five-star ratings) are generally more trustworthy.
• Only pay through Poshmark. Payments outside the platform remove buyer protections and increase the risk of fraud.
• Avoid deals that seem too good to be true. Extremely low prices, especially for designer items, often indicate counterfeit or fake listings.
• Check item descriptions and photos carefully. Look for inconsistencies, poor-quality images, or missing details that could signal a scam.
• Be cautious with new or vague accounts. Accounts with little activity, no reviews, or minimal information may be fraudulent.
• Report suspicious listings. Flagging fake or misleading listings helps protect the Poshmark community and prevent scams.
• Watch out for other scam attempts. Practice safe online habits and practices, like learning how to spot a phishing email.

What to do if you’ve become a victim of a Poshmark scam

If you’ve fallen victim to a Poshmark scam, it’s important not to panic. If the transaction took place on the Poshmark platform, Posh Protect may cover your purchase or sale.

Here are the steps you need to take if you suspect you’ve been the target of a Poshmark scam:

• Secure your accounts. Change the passwords to your Poshmark account and financial accounts that may be linked to it, such as your bank or payment apps.
• File a report. Contact Poshmark support to report the fraudulent buyer or seller profile. Make sure to attach photos, videos, screenshots, and other pieces of evidence in your report — or provide them when asked.
• Review the Poshmark profile that scammed you. Poshmark’s “Meet The Posher” feature also functions as its review system. It can be a good way to leave a warning to other users to not transact with the fraudulent profile.
• Freeze your accounts. If you’ve fallen victim to a phishing attack through Poshmark, you may need to freeze your credit to prevent further harm. Make sure to conduct regular credit monitoring.
• Look for other anti-fraud solutions. Fraudsters may attempt to scam victims more than once. Using online fraud coverage services with robust scam protection can provide added security.
• Consider identity theft protection tools. Services like NordProtect offer financial account monitoring and security alerts, helping you detect suspicious activity and get expert support if your identity is compromised.