7 Warning Signs of Scams When Buying High-Quality Tools on Folksy

Stolen Artisan Photography: Be wary if product images appear too generic, of exceptionally high quality across multiple unrelated listings, or if the seller's profile lacks a cohesive brand identity. Scammers often steal professional photos to misrepresent the quality or origin of their tools. Always cross-reference images if possible, and look for consistency in the seller's presentation.

Off-Platform PayPal Invoicing: A request to pay outside of Folksy's secure system, especially via PayPal invoicing, is a significant red flag. While PayPal can be used for invoicing, conducting transactions off-platform removes buyer protection and makes it difficult to resolve disputes. Stick to Folksy's integrated payment methods.

Overpayment Check Fraud: This scam involves a buyer sending a check for more than the agreed-upon price and requesting a refund for the difference. The initial check is fraudulent and will eventually bounce, leaving you out the product and the 'refunded' money. Never accept checks for more than the sale price.

Fake Handmade Certification: High-quality tools may sometimes come with certifications of authenticity or craftsmanship. Be skeptical of certificates that look poorly designed, contain spelling errors, or lack verifiable issuer details. Scammers can easily create fake documents to falsely represent the authenticity of their tools.

Bulk Supply Order Scam: While less common for individual high-quality tools, be cautious if a seller pushes for an unusually large order or requests upfront payment for a substantial quantity of high-value items, especially if they are a new or unverified seller. This can be a tactic to abscond with a large sum of money.

Resell of Mass-Produced Goods: Folksy strictly prohibits the resale of mass-produced items. If a seller is offering tools that appear to be factory-made and not genuinely handcrafted, especially if they are not upfront about it, report them. This misrepresentation undermines the platform's ethos and can deceive buyers seeking authentic, artisanal tools.

VAT/Customs Payment Phish: Be extremely cautious of any unsolicited requests for additional payments for VAT or customs fees, especially if they come via email and ask for sensitive information or direct bank transfers. These are often phishing attempts to steal your financial details.