Avoiding Scams on Etsy
Most Etsy purchases are safe. The scams that do happen follow a small number of patterns. Recognizing them takes minutes.
Common scam patterns
"Too good to be true" pricing, brand-new sellers with branded products, requests to move payment off-platform, urgency-driven messages.
Phishing
Emails or texts that look like Etsy but ask for password, OTP, or payment. Always log in via the official app or website rather than email links.
Off-platform payment requests
Never pay outside Etsy's checkout. Doing so voids buyer protection.
Report and recover
Use the help center to report scams and request refunds. Etsy's protection covers most legitimate disputes.
Frequently asked questions
I paid off-platform — what now?
Contact your bank to dispute. Etsy cannot help.
How do I know if a message is real?
Open the Etsy app and check the messages section. Real Etsy messages appear there.
Related guides
How to Spot Fake Products on Etsy
Identify counterfeit goods on Etsy — telltale signs in pricing, photos, seller info, and reviews.
Safe Payment Methods on Etsy
Which payment methods on Etsy give you the strongest dispute and fraud protection.
Etsy Account Security
Harden your Etsy account against takeover — strong password, 2FA, session review, and alerts.
Two-Factor Authentication on Etsy
Set up 2FA on Etsy the right way — authenticator app vs SMS, recovery codes, and backups.