How to Spot and Avoid Limited Edition Sneaker Scams on Folksy

Navigating the Sneaker Resale Market Safely on Folksy

Limited edition sneakers are highly sought after, making them a prime target for scammers. This guide will help you identify and avoid common fraudulent schemes prevalent on platforms like Folksy, ensuring your transactions are secure.

Common Scams Targeting Sneaker Buyers and Sellers

• ✓ **Resell of Mass-Produced Goods:** While Folksy focuses on handmade items, the sneaker resale market can attract sellers misrepresenting mass-produced sneakers as rare or limited editions. Always verify the authenticity and scarcity of the sneakers.
• ✓ **Fake Order Cancellation Phish:** Scammers may send fake emails or messages claiming an order has been cancelled, prompting you to click a malicious link to 'resolve' the issue. This is often a phishing attempt to steal your account credentials or financial information.
• ✓ **Overpayment Check Fraud:** A scammer might send a fraudulent check for more than the agreed price, asking you to wire back the difference after the check bounces. This leaves you out of pocket for the amount you sent.
• ✓ **Off-Platform Transactions:** Scammers often pressure buyers or sellers to move the conversation and payment off the platform (e.g., to direct messages, email, or external payment apps). This bypasses the platform's safety measures and makes disputes difficult to resolve.
• ✓ **Stolen Artisan Photography:** While less common for sneakers, be wary of listings that use stolen images. If a seller's product photos look too professional or generic for a personal listing, it might be a red flag. Always look for unique, real photos of the actual item.
• ✓ **Account Verification SMS/Phishing:** You might receive fake SMS messages or emails claiming to be from Folksy, asking you to verify your account by clicking a link or providing personal information. Folksy will not ask for sensitive details via unsolicited messages.
• ✓ **VAT/Customs Payment Phish:** Be cautious of requests for additional payments for customs or VAT outside the platform's official checkout. This is a common tactic to defraud buyers.

Protecting Yourself on Folksy

Folksy utilizes secure payment processing through Stripe and PayPal, which offer robust fraud prevention tools. Always ensure transactions are completed through the platform's official checkout system to benefit from these protections.

• ✓ **Verify Seller Reputation:** Check seller reviews and ratings on Folksy. Look for established sellers with a positive history.
• ✓ **Communicate On-Platform:** Keep all communication within Folksy's messaging system. This creates a record and allows the platform to assist in case of disputes.
• ✓ **Scrutinize Payment Details:** For P2P transactions, always verify that the payment details (name, account number) match the verified information on the platform. Never accept payments from third-party accounts.
• ✓ **Beware of Urgent Requests:** Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making rash decisions. Remain calm and follow the established procedures.
• ✓ **Inspect Product Listings Carefully:** Look for clear, detailed photos and accurate descriptions. If something seems too good to be true, it likely is.

Leveraging Safe Trade Services for High-Value Transactions

For high-value limited edition sneaker transactions (typically above $500), we strongly recommend using Safe Trade Services' Premium Plan for identity verification. This adds an extra layer of security by verifying the identities of both buyer and seller, mitigating the risk of dealing with fraudulent accounts. For lower-value transactions, the Basic Plan can provide an essential verification step.