Mercari has grown into one of the most popular online marketplaces for buying and selling secondhand items. It has millions of users across the world who benefit from its simple listings and competitive prices.
But as with any peer-to-peer platform, its popularity has also made it a target for scammers. Fake listings, payment manipulation, account takeovers, and refund fraud are becoming increasingly common (many users don’t realize the risks until it’s too late).
So, is Mercari actually safe and legit in 2026? The short answer is yes, but only if you know what to watch out for. This guide breaks down how Mercari works, how secure it really is, and the 10 most common Mercari scams you need to avoid to protect your money and personal information.
10 common Mercari scams to look out for – Quick list
- Fake or counterfeit listings: These are shiny-looking brands with bargain prices for items that eventually turn out to be knockoffs or damaged goods.
- Overpayment scams: Buyers “mistakenly” send too much, tricking sellers into refunding money that didn’t exist.
- Bait-and-switch tricks: In this scenario, you get a rock, an empty box, or a junk substitute for the original item you ordered.
- Return scams: Scammers would sometimes buy your product, then they return a broken or swapped item for a replacement or a refund, while still keeping your real product.
- Phishing attempts: Some scammers send out fake emails or messages, pretending to be Mercari. They may aim to steal your login or bank information.
- Third-party payment requests: A seller or a buyer may push that you complete the transactions using third-party systems like CashApp, Zelle, or PayPal. This way, they’ve lured you away from Mercari’s protections.
- Fake customer support: Scammers also pose as Mercari support staff and ask you for sensitive information with urgent threats like “account suspension.”
- Package diversion: Another tactic used by sellers is to change your delivery address after shipping, so that the goods you paid for never reach you.
- “Pay after delivery” lies: Some buyers say they would pay on delivery, but instead they vanish or file fake disputes as soon as the item gets to them.
- Spoofed buyer accounts: Many scammers on Mercari easily set up fake profiles, but they would polish them to look trustworthy enough to lure you off the platform.
Is it safe to use Mercari?
Definitely, it’s an active online marketplace that many use daily to buy and sell items. The app is legitimate, but that doesn’t mean that it is devoid of dishonesty. Scammers can find a way to lurk.
Before selling or buying, it is important to examine the other profile. Review the profile picture along with the account reviews and the Mercari badges. If the profile seems incomplete or sketchy, that is a sign of danger.
Important: Buyers have only 72 hours (3 days) after delivery to inspect an item and report a problem. If they don’t, funds are automatically released to the seller and the transaction is “finalized.” After this, Mercari typically considers the sale complete, making refunds nearly impossible. This is why scammers pressure you to rate early and why the “Pay after delivery” scam is impossible on the platform.
10 common Mercari scams and how they work – Detailed list
1. Fake or counterfeit listings
Some sellers would fondly list items that look real for ridiculous prices. It could be a luxury bag, makeup, or even shoes.
When you purchase such products, you end up discovering it’s just a cheap fake. Other times, the seller might send a product that’s in terrible condition and does not look anything like what’s in the photos.
How to keep guard
If you see a luxurious item, and the price looks too good to be true, that’s a sign that it’s probably a cheap fake; therefore, “Run”. Always read reviews and don’t be too quick to rate a seller until you’ve actually inspected the item.
2. Overpayment scams
A scammer would offer to buy something. Now they “accidentally” pay you too much for the product and ask for a refund of the extra.
Here’s the trick: they do fake transactions, making you believe they’ve overpaid you, you will later find out that the payment was fake, and meanwhile, you’ve lost both your product and your money.
How to keep guard
Never agree to do any transaction outside of Mercari’s protection. Also, just know that if someone overpays, it’s a scam.
3. Bait-and-switch tricks
Let’s say you place an order for a gadget, toy, or even a necklace. Instead of receiving what you ordered, you get something worthless or, in some cases, an empty box.
If you decide to complain, you’d discover the seller has already vanished, leaving you to suffer your loss.
How to keep guard
Stay away from products that have blurry photos, descriptions that are vague, and sellers for whom buyers have not left any reviews.
4. Return scams
It is also a common practice for some buyers to play dirty during returns (especially during the holiday season). When they buy your product, they decide to send back a broken version of the same product to you and swap it with something cheaper.
While they cheat you in this manner, they still retain the original product you sold to them.
How to keep guard
Before a buyer leaves with an item they purchased from you, or before shipping any items to any buyer, take clear and detailed photos of your item. This would later serve as proof against anyone who tries to scam you.
5. Phishing attempts
Phishing is like someone in a fake uniform intimidating you into handing over your keys. The scammers send messages or emails that look like they are from Mercari, but are not.
Their purpose is to have you click on a link or put in your username, password, or card details so they can abscond with it.
Just how it looks
- An email advising you to click here to verify your account, or you just won a gift, with a big link.
- A chat message or a user bio containing a link to a spoofed Mercari website.
- Fake login page modeled after Mercari, but designed to fish for your username and password.
- Links prompting you to download stuff you didn’t ask for, or requests for information such as your bank account or Social Security number.
If a user clicks your bad link and types in their info, they can log in to their account, buy things using their username, steal money, or try to set up further accounts in their name. On top of all that, this stolen data doesn’t just disappear. It’s often bundled and sold on dark web marketplaces, where fraudsters buy and trade personal information to fuel even more scams.
How to identify phishing
- The sending email seems off (not a legitimate Mercari email).
- When you hover over the link, there are typographical errors or odd characters in the address.
- The message says panic words such as “act now” or “urgent.”
- The message has bad spelling, odd grammar, or is sloppily written.
- The message is asking for your password, card number, or social security—real Mercari will never request those with chat.
How to protect yourself
- Always log in from the legitimate app or type the web address yourself.
- Don’t enter passwords or banking info from a link.
- Use strong, unique passwords and 2FA.
- Always keep your anti-virus software and phone OS up to date. This is a foundational security practice that also protects you from other threats, like fake VPN scams.
6. Third-party payment requests
A seller may tell you their Mercari account is not working and then beg you to pay them on CashApp or Zelle.
If you are a seller, a buyer might even persuade you into accepting payments from them through PayPal instead of Mercari’s payment methods.
Once you agree to that kind of deal, you’re off Mercari’s protection and cannot do anything to recover your money if the person runs away. This mirrors common tactics seen in the latest PayPal scams, where scammers use fake payment confirmations and phony buyer protection claims to trick sellers off legitimate or concerned platforms.
How to keep guard
Make sure you do not pay or receive money outside of Mercari. Anyone who insists is probably a scammer.
7. Fake customer support
Sometimes, scammers can pretend to be Mercari support staff and send you a message like “Your account is suspended, click this link in 24 hours or lose it forever.”
On clicking this link, they ask you for your social security number, bank account, or other sensitive information.
How to keep guard
If you receive such messages, ignore them. If you must act, contact Mercari directly through the app to confirm if you have a real problem.
Learn to ignore such urgent threat and warning emails that seem to come from Mercari. Also, avoid weird links because official Mercari emails would never ask for your password or bank details directly.
8. Package diversion
In this type of scam, a scammer targets a seller who wants to ship items quickly. This buyer might send you a “prepaid label” through email or message, claiming it’ll save time.
However, if you use that label, Mercari would not be able to track the package, confirm delivery, or protect you at all.
Here’s exactly what happens: the scammer can redirect the package to a different address, and after receiving it, they still pretend not to receive it. Now you have lost the item, the payout, and any chance of getting a refund.
How to keep guard
Always use Mercari’s prepaid labels inside the app. Disregard anyone who talks about off-app shipping offers. They may sound helpful, but they mostly end up cheating you badly.
9. “Pay after delivery” deceit
You might encounter a buyer who says, “I’ll pay you after I see the product.” Mercari does not work that way. Once the buyer gets your item, they disappear or file a fake complaint so that they don’t have to pay.
How to keep guard
Mercari uses an escrow system, so never send items when your payment has not been confirmed in Mercari’s escrow system.
10. Spoofed buyer accounts
Some scammers create fake profiles and make them look perfect with great ratings, nice photos, and even fake listings.
Next, they act friendly till they coerce you to talk outside Mercari or use shady links. You could get scammed in this carefully planned process.
How to keep guard
Only chat inside the Mercari platform. If a profile appears to be perfect, double-check for details, and you might discover something that doesn’t add up. It could be weird usernames or copied reviews; just be vigilant.
Pros and cons of selling on Mercari
Just like every online marketplace, there are good sides to Mercari, and there are also bad sides. let’s see some of them:
- Only a flat 10% fee (cheap compared to eBay or Poshmark)
- Shipping items is easier with prepaid shipping labels
- Mobile listing is quick – You snap, post, and sell
- Huge audience of over 50 million people is using the app
- Do not require a storefront or subscription
- Until the buyer rates you or 3 days pass, your funds get stuck
- Even with proof, sellers still end up losing disputes
- There are reports of app glitches and listing bugs
- Listing limits exist for new accounts
- Seller support is weak (only through email)
Is Mercari safe for sellers?
Yes, Mercari is safe for sellers. However, it’s not always fair. Sellers feel like the system benefits the buyers in more ways than sellers. Their payments are delayed until buyers confirm they have received the items. Disputes often favor buyers, even when there’s proof.
Also, Mercari doesn’t provide live chat or phone support; just emails, so sellers can’t get their issues resolved and complications explained quickly.
If you use Mercari’s prepaid labels and use them per their outlined rules, you’ll be protected at a basic level with tracking and delivery evidence.
But don’t expect Mercari to always take your side if the case gets messy.
How to protect yourself from scams on Mercari
These are the steps to take to avoid being a victim of a scam:
1. Buyer safety best practices
- Always make your payment inside Mercari.
- Be certain to check prices thoroughly. A price tag that is ‘too’ cheap is a red flag. A price that is ‘slightly’ cheaper than normal should still be scrutinized.
- Request for extra photos from the seller; scammers dislike extra work.
- Seller reviews are important. Check for seller badges that indicate some form of dependability.
- Do not rush to review. Take a thorough look at the item before submitting the review.
2. Seller security best practices
- Accept payment only through the app. No checks. No CashApp.
- Review a buyer’s profile. What do other sellers say about this person?
- Take detailed photos. This saves you in the case that the buyer tries to scam and files a false claim.
- Do not refund without the Mercari app. If someone claims, ‘I overpaid, ’ tell them to report on the app instead.
Does Mercari have scam protection?
Mercari can not stop 100% of the scams on its platform from happening. With that said, it does have mechanisms put in place to protect users.
- Fake ID is a no-no: Under phony names, scammers would find it difficult to withdraw funds for free.
- Payments made with escrow: Sellers don’t have access to the funds until you’ve received the item.
- Feedback: The users can assess the reputation of the buyer and seller.
- Automated Mercari: The system has its own checks and balances that identify shady deals.
- Selling, Counterfeit, or stolen property may be flagged and removed.
- Refunds: If an item is never received or it is damaged and the item was expected to be returned, Mercari will compensate you.
How to go about it if you are scammed on Mercari
The most prudent course of action and the first step in this case is to relax and calm down.
- If a merchant on Mercari charged you for a transaction but didn’t complete a sale, contact Mercari directly to explain the charge. Their phone number is (888) 325-2168.
- If you used PayPal to process the transaction, you have to gather evidence and file a dispute.
- If you don’t start a return within 72 hours of delivery, you risk being denied a refund. After 72 hours, Mercari will not typically allow you to reopen the case.
- Report the scam to the FTC so that it can take the proper measures to resolve the issue. Scams such as these cause significant social and economic impacts, and reporting them will help others significantly.
- If you wish to protect your credit, you can file a report and place a freeze or lock.
Pro tip: Whether you’re buying from individuals on Mercari or retailers on global platforms like AliExpress, the principles of vigilance, using in-platform payments, and understanding buyer protection are your best defense.
How does Mercari compare to eBay, Poshmark, and Depop
| Feature | Mercari | eBay | Poshmark | Depop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Is it legit? | Yes, | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Seller safety net | Weak — payouts delayed, disputes often favor buyers | Strong — managed payments + tracking | Good if you build rep; seller-friendly in disputes | Weak — limited help if deals go wrong |
| Buyer protection | Sellers get paid when buyers confirm receipt. | Strong — sellers don’t get paid until buyers confirm | Excellent — “Posh Protect” offers strong coverage | Spotty — buyers/sellers often sort issues themselves |
| Fees | Flat 10% | 14% (varies by category) | 20% flat fee (over $15) | 3.3% + $0.45 per transaction |
| Scam risk | High, especially for high-value items | Medium — safer with tracking/protection | Low — strong moderation and trust systems | Medium — fewer safeguards, more drama |
FAQs
Yes, Mercari is a real marketplace open to anyone, including scammers. So, if you’re not careful, you could be duped.
Once you notice you have been scammed on the platform, report it right away. If you act within 72 hours and stay active on the platform, you might qualify for a refund.
Yes, you can make payments with your credit card on Mercari, provided you do so inside the app. Never pay outside of it, or your card details could be at risk.
Yes, Mercari uses an escrow system. If a buyer pays, it stays in the escrow till they confirm the item is good. However, as a buyer, you cannot get a refund after you have rated a seller.
Absolutely, sellers have been victims of return scams, overpayments, fake buyers, and other tactics scammers come up with.
Yes, you can safely use Mercari for buying and selling, but note that it is not scam-proof. Therefore, you must learn how to protect yourself by using Mercari’s own payment and shipping systems.
