Vinted Shoppers Warned as New Revolut Scam Hits
North East Crime Unit Sounds the Alarm
Users of popular online marketplace Vinted are being targeted by a slick new scam, alert police. The North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) has issued a warning after nine victims in the North East lost a total of £2,600. Scammers are using fake Vinted chatbots to trap unsuspecting buyers and sellers.
The Scam: Fake Chatbot and Revolut Ruse
Fraudsters pose as Vinted support via a bogus chatbot. They claim there’s a problem with a transaction and instruct victims to open a new Revolut account to “fix” it. Victims are then told to deposit money to activate the account, promising a refund. Instead, scammers drain the funds and vanish, leaving victims out of pocket.
Police Advice: Don’t Rush, Stay Safe
NEROCU officers urge everyone to stay calm and never rush transfers or share private info. “No genuine company will pressure you to send money quickly,” they say. If you’re unsure, close the app or site and reopen it from an official source. Always double-check before engaging.
Community Action and Reporting Tips
- NEROCU works with banks and local groups to raise awareness about fraud.
- Victims should report scams promptly to aid investigations.
- Help and advice are available on the Action Fraud website.
Vinted’s Role in Scam Prevention
Since launching in 2008, Vinted has grown into a trusted hub for buying and selling fashion. Their help centre shares tips on spotting phishing attempts and examples of real vs fake messages to keep users safe. But with scams evolving fast, vigilance is key.
Stay alert, think twice before transferring money, and report any dodgy contact immediately to protect your cash and personal data!
