7 Warning Signs of Antique Rug Scams on Folksy to Avoid in 2026

7 Warning Signs of Antique Rug Scams on Folksy

The allure of antique rugs lies in their history, craftsmanship, and unique beauty. However, the online marketplace can unfortunately be a breeding ground for scams. When shopping for antique rugs on Folksy, it's crucial to be aware of the warning signs that can indicate a fraudulent seller or a misrepresented item. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to spot these red flags and make secure purchases in 2026.

1. Resell of Mass-Produced Goods

Scammers may attempt to pass off machine-made rugs as authentic antique pieces. Genuine antique rugs often have irregularities in knots and slight variations in design due to their handmade nature. Machine-made rugs, conversely, exhibit uniform knots and precise patterns. Be wary of descriptions that lack detail about the weaving process or if the rug appears too perfect and consistent, which could indicate it's a modern, mass-produced item. Look for details on knot type, foundation materials, and dye behavior, which are indicators of authenticity.

2. Stolen Artisan Photography

A seller might use images of genuine antique rugs that they do not actually possess, often stolen from other listings or legitimate sources. Always try to perform a reverse image search of the product photos. If the images appear elsewhere online under different sellers or descriptions, it's a strong indicator of fraudulent intent.

3. Fake Handmade Certification

Be cautious of sellers who provide vague or unverifiable 'certificates of authenticity' or claim their rugs are 'hand-knotted' without providing supporting details about the origin or craftsmanship. Authentic antique rugs should ideally have documentation or a detailed provenance that can be verified. If a seller is unwilling to guarantee authenticity in writing or provide a refund if the rug is proven fake, consider it a major red flag.

4. Overpayment Check Fraud

This scam involves a buyer sending a check for more than the agreed-upon price, then requesting the difference back. The initial check is often counterfeit or drawn on a fraudulent account. By the time the bank identifies the check as fake, the scammer has already received the 'refund' from you, leaving you to cover the loss. Always be suspicious of offers to pay more than the asking price, especially if they insist on using checks for payment and ask you to send money elsewhere.

5. VAT/Customs Payment Phish

Scammers may impersonate customs officials or shipping companies, sending fake emails or messages demanding immediate payment for VAT or customs duties on an international shipment. These communications often create a sense of urgency and may contain links to fake payment portals. Always verify any such demands directly with Folksy or the legitimate shipping carrier.

6. Account Verification SMS

You might receive a suspicious text message or email, seemingly from Folksy, requesting you to verify your account by providing personal or financial information. These messages often claim your account is restricted or needs immediate activation. Folksy will not ask for sensitive information via unsolicited texts or emails. If you receive such a message, do not click any links and contact Folksy support directly to verify its legitimacy.

7. The 'Oceanographer' or 'Overseas' Buyer Scam

This scam often starts with a buyer expressing interest in an item, particularly a high-value one. They claim to be overseas (e.g., an 'oceanographer' at sea) and unable to arrange shipping themselves. They will offer to send an overpayment via PayPal (or another method) and arrange for a third-party courier to collect the item. The goal is to trick you into sending the 'shipping fee' portion of the overpayment, which you will lose as the initial payment is fraudulent.