Will Etsy refund money if scammed? Here’s what to do

While Etsy shopping can be a fun way to discover one-of-a-kind creations, it also puts you at risk of being a victim of fraud.

If you’ve been the victim of an Etsy scam and are hoping to get your money back, you’ve come to the right spot.

In this post, we’ll discuss Etsy’s refund policy, what to do if you suspect a fraud, and how to be safe in the future. Knowing what to do if you are scammed on Etsy is vital, whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced one.

Will Etsy refund money if scammed?

Yes. Etsy will refund your money if the item you purchased arrives damaged, does not match the description in the listing, or if the item never arrives.

Explanation of Etsy’s refund policy

Etsy’s refund policy states that buyers can request a refund within 100 days of the delivery date for items that are defective, damaged, or not as described by the seller.

In the event that Etsy finds one of these three things has taken place, they will provide you with a complete refund, covering all taxes and shipping costs you have paid.

Steps to take if scammed on Etsy

If you have been scammed on Etsy, the first step is to contact the seller and try to resolve the issue directly. If the seller does not respond or is uncooperative, you can then report the scam to Etsy by following these simple steps:

1. For desktop users, locate your profile icon at the top right of the page, click that and then select “Purchases and Reviews”. Mobile users will tap the “you” icon at the bottom right of the Etsy app, then proceed to the “Purchases” page.
2. From there, select the order in question and click “Help with order”
3. Fill out the required information, letting Etsy know the situation. Etsy will then investigate the case and take appropriate action, which may result in issuing a refund if one of the three terms explained earlier were met.

Limitations of Etsy’s refund policy

It is important to note that Etsy’s refund policy does not cover cases where the buyer simply changes their mind or decides they no longer want the item.

Additionally, if the scammer is able to provide evidence that the item was delivered, it may be difficult to get a refund. However, in cases where the item was never delivered or is significantly different from the description provided by the seller, a refund is more likely to be granted.

Here are the cases in which Etsy will decline to refund the buyer, from the Etsy buyer policy page:

– Items that have been altered, used, worn, washed, or discarded after receipt.
– Items that are received after the agreed-upon delivery date due to delivery delays.
– Items that are returned without a return agreement.
– Items that are accurately described but don’t meet a buyer’s expectations.
– Cost of postage disputes.
– Items that are purchased in person.
– Transactions where payment is not processed by Etsy Payments, for example in an offsite transaction, or via Standalone PayPal.
– Disputes covered by local warranty or return laws applicable to a seller or their product
– Wherever a qualifying case is escalated for Etsy’s review, we will evaluate the claim to the best of our ability. Please be prepared to supply additional documentation if requested.

Etsy Buyers Policy

Tips for preventing scams on Etsy in the future

• Look into the Etsy seller before buying, do your research. Look for reviews from other customers, as reviews can only be left by verified buyers. Check the seller’s return policy, and make sure their shop has been active for a significant amount of time. Newer shops are more likely to scam than long-standing shops.

• Follow the old saying, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is” if the price of an item is significantly lower than similar items on the platform, it may be a scam.

• Never pay off-site if a seller asks you to. Use Etsy’s direct checkout or PayPal to make your payment. These payment methods offer an added level of protection, as they allow you to dispute a charge if necessary.

• Keep all the communication with the seller on the Etsy platform, don’t use external email or messaging system, this way you will have logs to show Etsy in the event of a scam.

• Be cautious when buying items from international sellers. While there are many legitimate international sellers on Etsy, it can be more difficult to resolve disputes or get a refund if something goes wrong.

• Finally, if something seems off, trust your instincts and don’t complete the purchase.

By following these tips and being vigilant, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to a scam on Etsy and ensure that your shopping experience is a positive one.