The fake postage label scam
A fraudulent buyer provides a forged or recycled tracking label, the platform’s system registers apparent movement, and payment is released — for a parcel that never existed.
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The fake postage label scam sees a fraudulent buyer supply a forged or recycled Royal Mail or Evri tracking label. The tracking number may show apparent progress — because it belongs to a real parcel elsewhere — triggering the platform to release payment. Always generate labels through the platform’s own system. Never use a buyer-supplied label. Scan any external barcode in the courier’s official app before proceeding.
What is the fake postage label scam?
The fake postage label scam is a seller-targeting fraud on Vinted and Depop. A fraudulent buyer contacts a seller, agrees to the purchase, but then provides a pre-printed label from outside the platform — either a forged label or, more commonly, a recycled tracking number from a real but entirely unrelated parcel that is moving within the seller’s general area.
Because the tracking number shows movement — “in transit”, “out for delivery” — the platform’s automated systems may interpret this as a live shipment and release payment to the seller, who shipped nothing. Alternatively, the buyer may use the tracking activity to raise a false “delivery confirmed” dispute. Cifas reported over 50,000 Vinted accounts banned for fraud-related activity in 2024, with label manipulation among the reported methods.
How does the fake postage label scam work?
- 01
Buyer agrees to purchase, then offers to supply the label
They explain they have a courier account or have pre-paid postage. They ask for your address to "personalise" the label and send it to you.
- 02
You receive a label that looks genuine
It has a valid barcode, courier branding, and your address on it. What you cannot see is that the tracking number belongs to an unrelated parcel.
- 03
You use the label — or the platform marks it as delivered
In some variants, the fraudster has already scanned the label as "collected" by the courier. Vinted or Depop sees tracking movement and begins releasing payment.
- 04
The parcel "arrives" — but not to you
The tracking marks the real parcel as delivered — to wherever it was actually going. The buyer claims delivery; you have shipped nothing and may have no proof of non-shipment.
- 05
Dispute resolution favours the buyer
Without physical proof of a genuine delivery attempt on your part, platform disputes often resolve in the buyer's favour.
What should you do if you have been targeted?
- Always use the platform’s built-in label generator — refuse any buyer-supplied label regardless of explanation.
- Scan buyer-supplied barcodes in the Royal Mail or Evri official app before accepting them — check the destination postcode matches yours.
- Keep your proof-of-postage receipt from the drop-off point; this is your strongest defence in a dispute.
- If you suspect fraud, contact Vinted or Depop support immediately with all screenshots and receipts.
- Report to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 for a crime reference number to support any financial claim.
How does SilentID reduce label fraud risk for local collection?
For Vinted or Depop transactions where local collection is an option, SilentID PIN Pickup eliminates postal risk entirely — payment is confirmed face-to-face at the moment of handover, with an auditable receipt for both sides. If the item changes hands, the PIN confirms it; if it does not, no money moves.
Related guides
6 warning signs of the fake postage label scam
Sellers are the target. These signals apply whether you are selling on Vinted, Depop, or any postal marketplace.
Tracking number shows movement but never reaches your postcode
The tracking number is real — it belongs to a different, unrelated parcel that happens to be in your region. Check that the tracking entry shows the delivery address as yours, not another address entirely.
Buyer insists on providing their own label rather than using the platform's
Vinted and Depop generate labels within the platform. A buyer who sends you a pre-printed label from outside the platform is bypassing the built-in courier integration — a clear red flag for a forged label.
The label barcode does not scan properly in Royal Mail or Evri apps
Before accepting any buyer-supplied label, scan the barcode using the relevant courier's official app to confirm it is a valid, active shipment linked to your transaction.
Buyer claims to have "already paid" and the label is ready
On Vinted especially, buyers should pay through the platform and the label is generated there. A buyer who has "already prepared" a label outside the platform flow is attempting to bypass the platform's fraud controls.
The item category is high-value, easily resold
Designer goods, electronics, and trainers attract the most fake-label fraud. The higher the value, the more worth a fraudster's time to construct a convincing-looking label.
Buyer is new to the platform with zero or minimal reviews
New accounts with no review history are a consistent risk factor for this fraud type. Established buyers with positive feedback are less likely to attempt label fraud.
Frequently asked questions
Sell locally with proof — not hope
Download SilentID. For local collection, PIN Pickup confirms the handover with a 6-digit code. Both sides keep a timestamped receipt. No postal risk.
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Reviewed by the SilentID editorial team. We update each guide quarterly with new UK fraud data.