7 Warning Signs You're About to Be Scammed on Mercari (2026 Guide)

Stolen Stock Photo Listing: Be extremely wary of listings that use generic or overly polished photos that appear to be from official product pages or other retailers. Scammers often use stolen images to depict items they do not possess, leading to buyers receiving a different, inferior, or non-existent product.

The 'Invalid Shipping' Delay / Fake Tracking 'Delivered' Bait Scam: Scammers may provide a tracking number that appears legitimate but is either fake, rerouted, or associated with an empty package. The item may be marked as 'delivered' to your area, but never actually reaches you. Mercari's auto-rating system after a few days can release funds before you realize the item is missing.

Item Swap Return Fraud: A scammer buys your genuine Starbucks tumbler, then initiates a return claiming it's not as described. They ship back a counterfeit, damaged, or completely different item, hoping Mercari approves the return and refund based on their false claims. Always document the condition of your items thoroughly before shipping.

The 3-Day Rating Trap: While Mercari's 72-hour window is for buyer protection, scammers can exploit it. Some buyers may quickly rate a transaction to finalize it, even if they haven't fully inspected the item, or they might pressure sellers to complete the transaction quickly. Conversely, if you, as a buyer, don't inspect and report issues within this window, the payment may be automatically released to the seller, leaving you with no recourse.

Account Takeover via Phish: Be vigilant against phishing attempts. Scammers impersonate Mercari through fake emails or messages, urging you to click suspicious links to 'verify' your account or update details. This can lead to your account being compromised, with unauthorized access used to steal information or conduct fraudulent transactions. Mercari will never ask for sensitive information via direct messages or external links.

Off-Platform Payment Inquiry: If a seller or buyer suggests moving the transaction outside of Mercari (e.g., to Venmo, Zelle, or direct bank transfer), decline immediately. This is a common tactic to bypass Mercari's buyer and seller protections, leaving you vulnerable to scams with no platform support.

Counterfeit Products: While not always a direct scam in terms of non-delivery, receiving a counterfeit Starbucks tumbler is a significant risk. Scammers may list fake or replica items as genuine, especially for popular or limited-edition releases. Always scrutinize product details, seller reviews, and compare with known authentic features.