The Most Common Frauds for Designer Handbags on Folksy to Avoid in 2026

Common Frauds to Watch Out For When Buying Designer Handbags on Folksy

The allure of designer handbags can unfortunately attract malicious actors. On Folksy, as with many online marketplaces, sellers and buyers of high-value items like designer handbags can be targets for various fraudulent schemes. Staying informed is your first line of defense.

Stolen Artisan Photography

Scammers may use stolen photographs of genuine designer handbags to advertise counterfeit or non-existent items. They may lift images from reputable sellers or brand websites to create a false sense of authenticity. When the item arrives, it will be a poor imitation or not arrive at all.

Off-Platform PayPal Invoicing

Be wary of sellers who insist on conducting the transaction entirely off-platform, often requesting payment via PayPal invoices sent directly to your email. While PayPal is a legitimate payment method, off-platform transactions bypass Folksy's buyer protection, making it harder to resolve disputes. These invoices can sometimes be faked or used to trick you into sending money to a fraudulent account [3, 8].

Overpayment Check Fraud

This scam often involves a buyer sending a fraudulent check for an amount greater than the agreed price. They will then ask you to return the difference, often requesting that the excess amount be sent via a faster, untraceable method like wire transfer or gift cards. The initial check will eventually bounce, leaving you to cover the difference and the funds you sent to the scammer [1, 2]. This is particularly prevalent with high-value items like designer handbags.

Resell of Mass-Produced Goods (Counterfeits)

A significant risk when purchasing designer handbags online is encountering counterfeit items being passed off as genuine. Scammers may use high-quality images of authentic bags and provide elaborate (but fake) documentation to deceive buyers. Always be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, and research authentication methods for the specific brand you are interested in [4, 6, 7, 10, 11].

VAT/Customs Payment Phish

If purchasing from international sellers, be cautious of unsolicited messages or emails claiming to be from customs or delivery services requesting immediate payment for VAT or customs fees. These can be phishing attempts designed to steal your financial information. Always verify such requests through official channels [13, 15].

By understanding these common fraudulent tactics, you can navigate the Folksy marketplace with greater confidence and protect yourself from financial loss.