Vinted Phishing Scam: How Fraudsters Are Targeting Second-Hand Marketplace Users

The second-hand marketplace Vinted has become the latest target of a sophisticated phishing campaign, with cybercriminals exploiting the platform's growing popularity to defraud unsuspecting users. Security experts are warning about a surge in fraudulent activities that have already resulted in significant financial losses for victims across Europe.

In a particularly distressing case, a mother and daughter from Germany fell victim to the scam, losing nearly €2,000 after responding to what appeared to be a legitimate Vinted payment notification. The attackers employed a multi-stage approach, first sending a convincing phishing email that directed the victims to a fraudulent payment portal designed to steal their banking credentials.

The phishing emails mimic Vinted's official communication style, complete with professional branding and plausible language about pending transactions or account verification requirements. What makes these attacks particularly effective is their timing - they often arrive when users are actively engaged in buying or selling items on the platform.

Technical analysis reveals that the fraudulent websites use SSL certificates and domain names that closely resemble Vinted's official domains, making them difficult to distinguish at first glance. The sites typically request sensitive information such as:

• Online banking credentials


• Credit card details


• Two-factor authentication codes

Security professionals note that this campaign represents an evolution in marketplace phishing tactics, with attackers leveraging the trust users have in peer-to-peer platforms. The second-hand goods market, valued at over $36 billion globally, presents an attractive target due to its rapid growth and the often less security-conscious user base compared to traditional ecommerce platforms.

Vinted has acknowledged the issue and recommends that users:

1. Always verify the sender's email address


2. Never click on links in suspicious emails


3. Access the platform directly through their official app or website


4. Enable two-factor authentication

For cybersecurity teams, this incident highlights the need for:

• Enhanced email authentication protocols (DMARC, DKIM, SPF)


• Continuous user education about phishing threats


• Improved fraud detection systems that can identify and block suspicious transactions

The rise in marketplace phishing attacks underscores the importance of platform security measures and user vigilance in the growing second-hand ecommerce sector. As these platforms continue to gain popularity, they must invest in robust security infrastructures to protect their users from increasingly sophisticated financial fraud schemes.