Etsy Scam Alerts: How to Identify Fraudulent Messages

Scammers impersonating Etsy aggressively target users, exploiting panic to steal sensitive information.

### Beware of Etsy Scams: Identifying and Avoiding Fraudulent Messages
* ⚠ Recently, there has been a **significant increase in scams targeting Etsy sellers**, with scammers impersonating Etsy and requesting **sensitive information through deceptive messages**.
* 📩 These messages often claim that the seller needs to **confirm an order** or **assist a customer with payment issues**, but Etsy never requires sellers to provide their **email address or personal information** in this manner.
* 🕵 Common signs of a scam include **poor grammar**, **unusual formatting**, and the use of the **Etsy logo**, which scammers exploit despite it being **against Etsy's terms of service**.
* 🔍 An example of a scam message includes phrases like "**order processing system!**" and requests for "**email confirmation**," which are clear indicators of fraud.
* 💻 Etsy messages should always be checked through the official dashboard, as Etsy does not contact users via external emails or support chats; legitimate messages will be found in the **"from Etsy" section**.
* 🚫 If a message prompts you to click links or provide financial information, do not engage; scammers often create **fake urgency** to manipulate sellers into **acting quickly without thinking**.
* 🔑 Remember, Etsy only contacts users through their **official channels**, and any request for **sensitive information** should be treated as a **scam**.
* 🛡 ️ Always verify any suspicious communication by checking your shop dashboard and reporting fraudulent messages to Etsy to **help protect yourself and others in the community**.

Don't fall for these Etsy message scams: With examples of what they look like!

Kara Buntin Tutorials

Scammers are impersonating Etsy by sending messages that request personal information, claiming to need it for order confirmation or customer payment issues.

These messages have become more aggressive and prevalent in recent months, causing concern among users.

Common signs of a scam include the use of the Etsy logo, unusual language, and suspicious requests for personal information.

Etsy does not need your email address and all communication comes through your Etsy dashboard.

Scammers often use common phrases like "regards" and "dear" to create a sense of urgency and panic.

The only time Etsy may ask for your email is if you contact them for verification, not the other way around.

Scammers are targeting new shop owners on Etsy with fake messages about receiving payment and completing transactions.

These messages often request sensitive financial information, such as credit card details, and create a sense of urgency.

Common red flags include unusual capitalization, non-existent payment statuses, and fake chat options, making it crucial to verify any suspicious messages directly through Etsy.

The message contains an unusual date format and a non-Etsy link, raising suspicions of a scam.

Scammers often use odd wording and request confirmation through unique links to target potential victims.

Etsy has created a "from Etsy" section in messages to combat the increase in scam communications, advising users not to click on suspicious links.

To determine if a message is genuinely from Etsy, check the "from Etsy" folder in your shop dashboard; if it's not there, it's a scam.

The Etsy app does not show these folders, so it's important to use a computer for a full view.

If you receive a message requesting financial information or an update, verify it by checking the finances section in your shop dashboard; if there are no notices, the request is likely fraudulent.

Scammers use specific details to make their messages seem more believable, often creating fake names and urgent situations.

They aim to prompt you to click on links and provide personal information, claiming to be official Etsy contributors.

Etsy will never ask for your email or personal information, so it's important to be cautious and not fall for these scams.