Are you new to selling on Poshmark and wondering how to tell if a Poshmark buyer is legit? If yes then you are not alone, it’s a common concern for many sellers on the marketplace.

In this blog, we will explain to you how to find out if a buyer on Poshmark is legit or not. Not only will we discuss the signs you need to look out for in buyers but we will also reveal potential red flags to watch for along with practical tips to protect yourself from Poshmark scams.

So, let’s begin!

How Can I Tell If a Poshmark Buyer is Legit or Not?

1- Profile Age and Activity:

Poshmark buyers with new or inactive profiles are likely to be a red flag. Scammers often create fresh accounts on Poshmark to act as legit buyers but you don’t have to fall for them. A legitimate buyer typically has some history on the marketplace, including purchases, likes, or comments. However, it’s important to note that everyone starts as a new user at some point, so this alone is not a definitive proof that a Posh buyer is not legit.

2- Unusual Requests:

Moving transactions off-platform or changing shipping addresses are common scam tactics. These actions can void the protections offered by Poshmark, leaving sellers vulnerable. Legitimate buyers understand and respect platform rules. So, always insist on conducting all transactions within Poshmark’s system to ensure you’re protected.

3- Pressure Tactics:

Scammers often create a sense of urgency to cloud a seller’s judgment. They might claim they need the item urgently or use emotional manipulation. Legit buyers usually understand that the shipping takes time and respect the process. So, don’t let anyone rush you into making hasty decisions.

4- Communication Style:

Pay attention to how buyers communicate. While not everyone is a perfect writer, consistent poor spelling, strange grammar, or copy-pasted messages can be warning signs. Scammers often operate across multiple accounts or even countries, leading to linguistic inconsistencies. Trust your instincts if the communication feels off.

5- Overpayment Offers:

This is a classic scam tactic. The scammer offers to pay more than the asking price, often with a seemingly plausible reason. They then ask for a partial refund, but their initial payment is fraudulent and will eventually be reversed, leaving the seller at a loss. Legitimate buyers rarely offer more than the asking price without good reason.

6- Emotional Manipulation:

While some buyers may have genuine needs or touching stories, be wary of those who seem to be excessively playing on your emotions. Scammers often use sob stories to manipulate sellers into making exceptions or lowering their guard. So, it’s important for you as a seller to maintain a professional demeanor and stick to your policies.

7- Return Scams:

It’s a common scam on Poshmark in which a dishonest buyer attempts to return a different (often inferior or counterfeit) item in place of the original. To protect yourself, always thoroughly document your items before shipping, including detailed photos and descriptions. This evidence will later help you if a dispute arises.

8- Unnecessary or Strange Questioning:

While it’s normal and encouraging for Poshmark buyers to ask questions about an item, be cautious of those who ask an unusually high number of questions, especially if they seem unrelated to the product. This could be a tactic to build false trust or to find loopholes in your selling process. Legitimate buyers typically ask relevant, straightforward questions about the item they’re interested in.