Is Poshmark legit? Is it actually safe to use? The short answer is yes—absolutely! 🙌🏽 Poshmark is one of the most popular online marketplaces for buying and selling fashion, beauty, home decor, electronics, and more! Here’s what you should know before selling on Poshmark!
Main Takeaways
- Poshmark is legit and trusted, with over 180 million users since 2011.
- It's safe if you stay on the app—Posh Protect covers buyers and sellers.
- Scams happen off-platform, often through links or outside payment apps.
- Document items before shipping to protect against false claims.
- Red flags include new accounts, bad grammar, and off-app requests.
- Most users are honest, and scams are rare if you follow the rules.
What is the Poshmark App?
With over 180 million community members, Poshmark is a leading social e-commerce marketplace for new and secondhand fashion! While you can sell everything from home decor to electronics, Poshmark is most known for women’s clothing and accessories, with top-sellers being clothing, shoes, and handbags.
The Poshmark app is marketed as a way to make money from the clothes you no longer wear. Many users are casual sellers listing items from their own closets, while others use the platform as a side hustle. Some pro resellers thrift specifically to flip items on Poshmark for profit. For some, Poshmark is a full-time job and their sole source of income!
Because every Poshmark closet is run by a real person, the platform can unfortunately attract scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting users. Like any online marketplace, Poshmark has its share of common scams. In this article, we’ll cover how to spot them and how to protect yourself.
Want to learn more about Poshmark? Check out the Poshmark Bible: How to Get Started Selling on Poshmark to become a Poshmark pro!
Is it safe to buy and sell on Poshmark?
Yes! Poshmark is a loved and trusted marketplace for buyers and sellers since 2011.
Yes—Poshmark is both legitimate and safe. Since launching in 2011, Poshmark has become one of the most trusted peer-to-peer marketplaces for buying and selling fashion. The platform is known for its user-friendly design, focus on sustainability, and strong community feel—all of which have helped it earn the loyalty of millions of buyers and sellers.
But what makes Poshmark truly safe?
Poshmark has built-in protections for both buyers and sellers in every transaction. All purchases are backed by Posh Protect, which guarantees refunds if an item doesn’t arrive, isn’t as described, or never ships. Poshmark also uses secure payment processing and holds funds until the buyer confirms delivery and satisfaction.
Additionally, Poshmark has strict policies to detect and remove counterfeit goods, a rating system to encourage honest transactions, and a support team that actively investigates scams or suspicious behavior. Collectively, these features create a safer reselling environment than many other online marketplaces. ✅
You might also like the article Top Rated Online Marketplaces
Is Poshmark Legit?
Yes—Poshmark is a legitimate and trusted online marketplace. Founded in 2011 by Manish Chandra, Poshmark has grown into a leading marketplace for buying and selling new and secondhand fashion across the United States and Canada. With over 180 million registered users, it has become a go-to destination for secondhand style!
The platform enjoys high user satisfaction:
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Apple App Store: 4.8 out of 5 stars, based on over 909k ratings.
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Google Play Store: 4.6 out of 5 stars, with more than 181k reviews and over 10 million downloads.
Is Poshmark Safe?
Yes! Poshmark has implemented several measures to ensure a secure and trustworthy environment for both buyers and sellers:
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Posh Protect: This buyer protection policy guarantees a full refund if an item doesn't arrive, is not as described, or is never shipped.
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Secure Transactions: All payments are processed through Poshmark's secure system. Sellers receive payment only after the buyer confirms receipt and satisfaction with the item.
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Authentication Services: For high-end items, Poshmark offers authentication to verify the legitimacy of luxury goods, providing additional peace of mind for buyers.
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Community Ratings and Reviews: Buyers and sellers can leave feedback, helping others make informed decisions based on previous experiences.
While Poshmark has robust safety protocols, users should remain vigilant. Unforunately, every peer-to-peer e-commerce website attracts scammers. It's advisable to read item descriptions carefully, communicate clearly with other users, and report any suspicious activity to Poshmark's support team.
Poshmark User Reviews
Poshmark enjoys a strong reputation among buyers and sellers reflected in its high ratings on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Users frequently praise the app's user-friendly interface, the ease of listing items, and the vibrant community that supports both buyers and sellers. One user shared, "I have been using Poshmark for several years now and have been very pleased for the most part. The few issues I have encountered have been met with overall good customer service."
However, some users have expressed concerns about certain aspects of the platform. Common criticisms include high seller fees, occasional app glitches, and customer service response times. A user noted, "I'd give this app 5 stars if a more seamless experience existed between mobile and desktop."
Despite these concerns, many users praise Poshmark. The ability to find unique items, engage with a close community, and the convenience of buying and selling from home are frequently highlighted as major benefits. As one reviwer succinctly put it, "Poshmark is a great way to sell clothes you don't wear anymore and make some extra cash. The platform is easy to use and has a large user base, so you're likely to get more visibility for your items."
👀 Read more Poshmark reviews on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
Can you get scammed on Poshmark as a Seller?
While the vast majority of Poshmark users are honest buyers and sellers, scams can and do happen. 😢
Like all peer-to-peer marketplaces, Poshmark is targeted by scammers who exploit the fact that they’re dealing directly with individuals, many of whom may not be familiar with how to spot a scam. New and inexperienced sellers are particularly vulnerable, often so eager to make their first sale that they fall victim before they even realize what’s happening.
You might be thinking, “Who actually falls for this stuff?” The truth is—plenty of people do. While some scams may seem obvious in hindsight, many scammers are highly manipulative and persuasive, often preying on emotion or urgency to get what they want.
The good news? Poshmark has strong protections in place-as long as you stay on the app. The most common scams occur when users are tricked into moving the transaction off-platform. That includes clicking on external links, sharing personal contact information, or accepting payment outside of Poshmark. To be protected by Posh Protect, you must keep all communication and transactions within the app.
What Happens If You Get Scammed on Poshmark?
If you’ve been scammed on Poshmark but followed the platform’s rules—keeping all communication and transactions within the app—Poshmark offers protection through its Posh Protect program. This includes full refunds for buyers who receive items that are not as described, as well as protection for sellers against fraudulent claims, provided there's proof of shipment and item condition.
Unfortunately, many scam victims unintentionally break the rules by taking conversations or transactions off-platform—responding to emails, clicking on external links, or accepting payments through services like Venmo or Cash App. Once you step outside Poshmark’s system, you also step outside of its protections.
If you believe you’ve been scammed but remained within the platform’s guidelines, you should immediately contact Poshmark support through the app or website. Provide as much documentation as possible (screenshots, photos, messages, and order details) to support your case. While resolution may take some time, Poshmark’s support team generally works diligently to protect users who have adhered to the terms of service.
The best thing to do is to know what to look out for and how to avoid scams. Review the following list of common scams carefully. Staying informed is your best defense against fraudulent activity that could waste your time, compromise your identity, put your bank account at risk, or even jeopardize your selling privileges.
How do I know if I'm being scammed on Poshmark?
All common Poshmark scams share a pattern: they involve a request for you to click an external link or share personal information—both of which take the transaction outside of Poshmark. The solution is simple: stay on the Poshmark app. As long as you keep all communication and transactions within the platform, you’ll stay protected.
Here are some examples of the most common scams on Poshmark so you know what to avoid.
The Most Common Poshmark Scam: Off-App Transactions Scams
This scam occurs when someone asks you to communicate with them off of Poshmark ⚠️
This is by far the most common scam on Poshmark. If you've ever listed a new or high-priced item, chances are you’ve received a suspicious comment or message asking you to reach out via email, phone, WhatsApp, or social media. The goal is always the same: to lure you off Poshmark and into a private channel where the scammer can attempt fraudulent activity without platform oversight.
Scammers act quickly because Poshmark actively monitors for suspicious behavior. The platform automatically flags and removes accounts that violate its rules, and it blocks certain trigger words and phrases related to personal contact or payment details. Because of these filters, scammers race against the clock to get you off the app—where there are no safeguards or protection.
This type of scam can be especially tempting for sellers hoping to avoid Poshmark’s 20% commission by completing the sale privately. But doing so violates Poshmark’s terms of service and puts your account—and your money—at risk.
Never take conversations or transactions off the Poshmark platform. Once you do, you forfeit the protections that come with Poshmark’s built-in safety systems. If a buyer tricks you off the Poshmark app, Poshmark cannot help you recover any loss.
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The External Link Scam on Poshmark
This scam occurs when you're told to confirm your profile, collect payment, or receive a shipping label by clicking on a link ⚠️
This common scam is especially cruel because it often targets new sellers who may not yet know how to recognize the warning signs. It’s also particularly dangerous, as these scams typically involve a link that directs the victim to a fake website where they're prompted to enter sensitive information—like login credentials or banking details under the guise of "verifying" their account.
Never take conversations or transactions off the Poshmark platform. Doing so means forfeiting the protections that Poshmark provides. If a scammer convinces you to leave the app, Poshmark cannot assist you in recovering any losses. The safest way to protect yourself is to stay on the platform at all times.
Email-Hacking Scams
This scam occurs when someone asks you for your email address. ⚠️
This is a deceptively clever scam. Sharing your email address may seem harmless, but it can actually open the door to serious risks. To a scammer, your email address is incredibly valuable.
Here are just a few ways scammers might exploit it:
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They may email you claiming there was a "processing issue" on the app and ask you to complete the payment through another platform.
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They might send a fake email that closely mimics a legitimate message from Poshmark, confirming a sale and prompting you to ship the item, when no actual sale occurred.
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They could attempt to access your email account by initiating a "forgot password" process, hoping to gain entry to your accounts and steal personal information.
Once a scammer has your email, the fraudulent possibilities are endless. Never share your email address on Poshmark. Use Poshmark’s built-in commenting and messaging features to communicate safely and stay protected.
Reset Your Credentials Scam
This scam is when a user tries to hack your account and bypass security measures like two-factor authentication. ⚠️
These types of scams are typically aimed at gaining access to your account, whether it's your Poshmark account, email, or even social media account.
For example, a scammer might go to your email provider, enter your email address, and select “Forgot Password.” They then request a verification code to reset your password. If you quickly or unknowingly provide that code, they can take over your account and lock you out completely. From there, the potential for further damage—accessing sensitive data, impersonating you, or compromising linked accounts—is significant.
Always be cautious and never share verification codes or personal information with anyone.
The Swap Scam on Poshmark
One of the trickier scams on Poshmark is the “swap scam.” This occurs when a buyer purchases an item and then fraudulently claims it was “not as described”—after secretly swapping it with a damaged or counterfeit version they already own.
Here’s how it works: A buyer purchases an item from you, such as a handbag or pair of shoes, that they already own in worse condition. Once your item arrives, they file a claim with Poshmark stating it’s damaged, fake, or not as described. They then submit photos of their own damaged item as false evidence to support the claim.
This scam is particularly common with luxury items. For example:
- A buyer purchases an authentic designer bag from you.
- They open a case claiming it’s counterfeit.
- They submit photos of a fake or damaged bag they already had.
- They request a return and refund, leaving you with the fake.
This kind of scam can turn into a “he-said-she-said” situation, which puts sellers at a disadvantage, especially if you don’t have proof of what you actually shipped. Poshmark cannot automatically side with the seller, as sellers can be dishonest, too.
Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed way to prevent this scam. However, one of the best things you can do is document your shipments thoroughly. I personally photograph high-value sales before shipping, including all angles, tags, and details, with the label visible alongside a note showing the buyer’s name and date. While time-consuming, this habit has protected me on Poshmark and other marketplaces.
What to Do If You're Scammed on Poshmark
If you become the victim of a swap scam, you can open a counterclaim upon receiving the returned item by going to your sales page and selecting “Problem with Return.” Poshmark’s seller protection is better than many other platforms, and if you provide clear evidence, they usually side with the seller, though the process can take time.
That said, don't let this scare you unnecessarily. Most Poshmark buyers are honest and simply looking to purchase something they love. Scams like this are rare, but it’s still smart to be prepared.
You might also be interested in the article How to Win a Case on Poshmark.
Poshmark Bundle Scams: What to Watch Out For
While bundling is a great way to encourage sales and offer discounts on Poshmark, it’s also occasionally used as a tactic in scams. Poshmark bundle scams often target sellers with high-value or multiple-item listings by exploiting trust and urgency.
One common version involves a buyer quickly bundling several items and messaging you with a request to ship immediately, sometimes offering to “tip” you via Venmo or Cash App for faster shipping. In reality, this is a ploy to get you to take the transaction off-platform, where you're no longer protected by Poshmark’s policies. Another variation includes buyers who bundle items, claim a mistake after delivery, and request partial refunds or file false claims for damaged goods.
To avoid falling victim to Poshmark bundle scams:
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Always keep communication and transactions within the app.
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Never accept additional payments outside of Poshmark.
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Photograph all bundled items before shipping, including packaging and labels.
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Be cautious of buyers who pressure you to rush shipping or offer incentives outside the platform.
Bundling is a legitimate and helpful feature on Poshmark, but stay alert. Scammers often rely on urgency, distraction, or goodwill to get what they want. Trust your instincts, follow platform rules, and document everything to keep your account and sales secure.
You might also be interested in the article 11 Great Marketplaces Every Reseller Should Consider
Poshmark Scam Red Flags to Watch For
While scams on Poshmark are relatively rare, it’s important to stay alert, especially if you notice suspicious patterns. Here are some common red flags that may indicate fraudulent activity on Poshmark. 🚩
⭐️ These signs aren’t always proof of a scam on their own. But if you see a combination of these behaviors, trust your instincts. When in doubt, contact Poshmark support for help. They may not respond immediately, but they will investigate your concern.
🚩 Brand New Accounts
Not every new account is a scam—we were all new once. However, scammers frequently create brand-new Poshmark accounts because their previous ones have been reported and removed. If you're receiving unusual or suspicious messages from an account created the same day, take caution.
🚩 Poor Grammar and Suspicious Messaging
Poor grammar alone doesn’t mean you’re being scammed. Many legitimate users may struggle with language due to education level, learning differences, or English being a second language. That said, messages claiming to be from Poshmark that contain obvious grammatical errors are a serious red flag.
Poshmark is a professional platform and their official communications are copyedited and polished. If you receive an email or message that feels “off,” especially with poor grammar or awkward phrasing, it's likely a scam.
🚩 WhatsApp, Cash App, Zelle, PayPal Venmo Requests
One of the biggest red flags is a buyer or seller asking to complete the transaction through any other payment processor than Poshmark.
These apps are not necessarily designed for buying and selling goods. They offer varying levels of protection, and might not refund your money if you are scammed. In addition, using these apps for business purposes without proper setup could violate tax laws and platform policies.
Sellers are sometimes tempted to accept off-platform payments to avoid Poshmark’s 20% commission. But remember that Poshmark's fee includes seller protection, customer support, and fraud prevention. If you bypass Poshmark’s system, you also bypass your protection.
Stay vigilant, trust your gut, and keep all communication and transactions within Poshmark. That’s the best way to protect yourself and enjoy everything the platform has to offer safely. ❤️
How Buyers and Sellers Can Protect Themselves From Scams On Poshmark
While you needn’t be too paranoid about 99 percent of shoppers, there is the 1 percent of scammers with fraudulent intentions.
To recap, here is how to avoid scams on Poshmark, Depop, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and other peer-to-peer reselling marketplaces:
- Keep it on the marketplace. The best way to avoid being scammed is to follow the rules and keep transactions on Poshmark.
Nearly all scams happen when sellers take communications and transactions off of the marketplace. - Do not give personal information. This sounds obvious, but you would be surprised how many people willingly share their email, phone number, and account details.
- When in doubt, trust your instincts. Do not hesitate to decline requests you are uncomfortable with or do not sound right. Do not hesitate to block and report accounts that have demonstrated legitimate fraudulent activity.
- Contact Customer Service. Do not hesitate to reach out to Poshmark customer support to describe any situation and seek advice or assistance.
There are so many Poshmark Facebook groups where you can seek advice and ask questions from other sellers. Just search “Poshmark” under groups in Facebook!
When in doubt, go with your gut. It's better to lose a sale than get scammed. However, keep in mind that most of the time, sales are legitimate and will not be a hassle. Scams should be relatively rare on Poshmark, and sometimes people are quick to yell "scammer" when there is actually just a misunderstanding or mistake being made.
What Are Buyer and Seller Protections On Poshmark?
Poshmark has specific protections in place for both buyers and sellers to keep the community safe. Always ensure that you read the terms of service, rules, and other help files presented by the platform you are buying from or selling on to understand your rights.
The buyer's protection is called "Posh Protect" and allows Poshmark to hold funds until you have received and inspected your item. You also have the right to a free return if the item is damaged or was misrepresented by a seller.
The seller's protection includes shipping insurance and protection from lost and damaged packages. Poshmark also requires a signature for items over $400. In exchange for the fees that Poshmark charges sellers, you will also receive customer service and assistance in return cases.
In addition to these protections, Poshmark offers a no-cost authentication service for all items sold for over $500. These items will be shipped to Poshmark headquarters for authentication before being redirected to the buyer's address.
The secret to reseller success? Vendoo.
How To Legitimately Cancel An Order On Poshmark
Under certain circumstances, a buyer can cancel a Poshmark order that has yet to be shipped. Orders placed accidentally through the "buy now" button can be canceled for up to three hours after the purchase. Sellers are told not to ship during this time. You cannot cancel an order that was placed through an offer or that has been shipped by the sellers already. Go into your orders on the app and select "problems/order inquiry" to cancel the sale.
There is one more reason you can legitimately cancel a Poshmark order. If an item you purchased has not been shipped after seven days, you can also cancel by following these steps:
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In the app, select your Account Tab (@username), or on the web, select your profile photo at the top-right corner.
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Select My Purchases.
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Select the relevant order.
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Select Problems/Order Inquiry.
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Select Order is Delayed.
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Select Cancel Order.
How To Facilitate Returns On Poshmark
In order to protect sellers, Poshmark does not approve return requests for items that do not fit or for buyer's remorse. Poshmark will only accept return requests for things purchased from the Poshmark platform. In order to avoid buyers being disappointed with the fit, make sure to include not only the size on the tag but the material contents and some measurements as well.
However, there are some cases in which Poshmark will approve a return request from a buyer. This includes:
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Undisclosed damage
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Incorrect or missing item
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Items that are not as described
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Item is not authentic (this is not only against Poshmark's rules but also illegal in the US, where knowingly selling counterfeit items can come with criminal charges)
You must also open and inspect your Poshmark purchases immediately, as you only have three days to open your return case. Once approved, you have just five days to ship the item back to the seller, or your return will be canceled, and funds will be released to the seller.
To start a return case, open the order on the Poshmark app and tap "Problems / Order Inquiry." A Poshmark representative will help facilitate the return.
How Sellers Can Protect Themselves Against Return Cases On Poshmark
Sellers hate return requests. Not only do they hold up your funds and disrupt your processes, but many people become defensive on both sides, causing unnecessary drama.
The main issue with returns is the vagueness of the "item not as described" rule. Many sellers will be disgruntled over a return request where the buyer states the item is different from what is described because of discrepancies over exact colors, patterns, or how the damage was described.
Here are some tips to help you win more Poshmark cases:
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Always have plenty of clear photos with good lighting on your listings
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Provide a detailed description
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Disclose damages or flaws and include photos
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Provide measurements and a list of materials
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Package items carefully so they do not get damaged
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Keep receipts with package weights for expensive items
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If a case is opened, respond promptly and be professional, keeping all emotions out of the process
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Provide Poshmark support with photos and other relevant details, talk directly to Posh Support, and do not address the customer
The Final Word: Is Poshmark Legit & Is It Safe To Buy And Sell On The Poshmark App?
Yes! Most buyers and sellers on Poshmark are genuine, honest people. That said, there are bad people all over the world and internet.
Have you been scammed online before? Share your experience below to help others learn to stay vigilant! 👇🏽
