7 Warning Signs You're About to Be Scammed on Mercari Selling a Lululemon Define Jacket

Stolen Stock Photo Listing: Scammers often use appealing photos of the Lululemon Define Jacket that they've taken from other listings or the internet. The actual item they possess may be a counterfeit, damaged, or entirely different from what's pictured. Always be wary of listings with generic or overly polished photos that don't seem to match the seller's other items.

Fake Tracking 'Delivered' Bait: This scam involves a seller providing a tracking number for an item that has already been 'delivered' to a different address or is an old tracking number for a different package. The scammer hopes you'll accept this as proof of shipment, leaving you with no jacket and no recourse. Always verify the tracking information directly with the carrier and ensure it corresponds to your shipment.

Item Swap Return Fraud: A buyer might receive a genuine Lululemon Define Jacket, and then attempt to return a counterfeit or different, lower-value item, claiming it's the original purchase. They exploit the return process, hoping the seller won't scrutinize the returned item closely enough. Documenting the item's condition thoroughly before shipping and checking returned items meticulously is vital.

Off-Platform Payment Inquiry: Be suspicious if a buyer suggests completing the transaction outside of Mercari's payment system. This is often an attempt to bypass Mercari's buyer and seller protections, making it easier to defraud you. All payments for items sold on Mercari should be processed through the platform.

The 'Invalid Shipping' Delay: Scammers may claim there was an issue with the shipping address or cost, asking you to revise it or handle shipping separately. This is often a prelude to an off-platform payment scam or an attempt to get you to cancel the order after they've already secured your payment elsewhere. Stick to Mercari's shipping process.

Counterfeit Product Indicators: For a Lululemon Define Jacket, be alert for signs of counterfeits such as incorrect stitching, faulty zippers (e.g., not YKK branded), incorrect logo placement or font on the size dot, or fabric that feels cheap or has an unusual texture. These are critical red flags that the item is not authentic.

The 3-Day Rating Trap: This scam involves a seller urging you to rate the item quickly after delivery, often before you've had a chance to thoroughly inspect it for authenticity or damage. Once you rate positively, it becomes harder to open a dispute. Always wait until you are completely satisfied with the product before leaving a rating.