Is Poshmark legit? Seller safety & scams in 2025

Poshmark is a 100% legitimate resale marketplace with millions of users. 

It’s got a decade-plus track record and a billion-dollar acquisition under its belt. Fashion-forward shoppers, part-time flippers, and full-time sellers love it. 

Like any peer-to-peer platform, it’s not immune to scams, vague policies, or frustrating return loopholes, especially for sellers who deal with luxury items or off-app requests.

In this guide, we’ll break down how Poshmark keeps sellers safe and where things can still go sideways. We’ll also cover how reselling tools like Nifty can help you stay ahead with smart automation, better tracking, and far fewer manual tasks. 

Is Poshmark legit? A quick TL;DR look

Yes, Poshmark is legit, but that doesn’t mean it’s scam-proof. 

Launched in 2011, Poshmark had more than 80 million users across the U.S., Canada, and Australia in early 2022. This number has soared to 130 million community members in the U.S. and Canada alone.

Some things to know: 

• It’s one of the biggest names in resale: When the company was acquired by Naver for a cool $1.2 billion in early 2023, it didn’t lose its sunny California roots. The company still runs from its original HQ in Redwood City, according to this breakdown of Poshmark’s growth and sales.
  ‍
• Buyers don’t pay sellers directly, and that’s on purpose: Poshmark holds funds in escrow until delivery is confirmed, uses prepaid USPS shipping, and offers free luxury goods authentication for orders over $500 through its in-house team, all covered in the Posh Protect policy.
  ‍
• On top of that, the platform acts like social media for selling: You can follow users, like listings, and leave comments. The whole vibe feels more like Instagram than eBay, which is a big reason Gen Z and Millennial sellers stick around.
  ‍
• Still, there are a few bumps: Seller ratings aren’t public, which makes it harder to spot sketchy closets. And, sellers have called out Poshmark’s inconsistent enforcement of recent relisting rules, especially when they got flagged for removing items that sold on other platforms, as shown in this Modern Retail report on policy confusion.

What makes Poshmark safe?

Poshmark does have some built-in safety and protections that help reduce fraud, especially if you keep things in-app. But it’s not all 100% perfect. 

Poshmark’s efforts to keep sellers and buyers protected

• Sellers don’t get paid until delivery clears: Poshmark holds funds in escrow until the item arrives, and the buyer accepts it, which gives buyers a layer of protection built into the platform’s core transaction system.
  
  
• Shipping comes with built-in tracking: Every order includes a USPS label with tracking, so it’s easier to resolve claims if something “goes missing.”
  
  
• High-value items go through a basic review process: Items valued at over $500 are screened internally before they reach the buyer. It won’t catch every fake, but it helps filter out the most obvious scams.
  
  
• Buyers can check account activity before purchasing: While Poshmark doesn’t publicly show sellers’ star ratings, buyers can still see how long a seller’s been active, how fast they ship, and whether they’ve earned positive “Love Notes.”
  
  
• Returns happen, but things have to be serious: If the item is misrepresented, damaged, fake, or completely wrong, a buyer can file a claim. But things like fit or “I changed my mind” aren’t eligible, and that gives sellers some cover.

Where does Poshmark need stricter policies?

Poshmark has rules, but it does need stricter policies, as sellers are still the ones taking the hits when things get murky. There are a few areas where there’s still a call for a bit more clarity, and where seller protections still feel incomplete. 

• Luxury returns can get risky: Sellers of high-end goods say they sometimes face chargebacks or item swaps, even when they’ve followed policy. So, Poshmark’s luxury authentication helps buyers, but sellers may still be vulnerable.
  
  
• Counterfeit enforcement isn’t airtight: Even though there are real takedown efforts, fake listings still pop up from time to time. It’s especially frustrating for sellers who follow the rules and still compete with copycat closets that game the system.
  
  
• Return loopholes are tough to challenge: Several sellers have described cases where buyers return a different item or claim damage that wasn’t there. They often feel unsupported when trying to dispute a refund through the standard channels.
  
  
• New relisting limits feel vague: In 2025, Poshmark established a policy to curb excessive relisting. But sellers have said enforcement has been inconsistent, especially when they're penalized for removing items that are no longer available.

How to spot a Poshmark scammer 

Even on a legit platform like Poshmark, scams still slip through. The key is knowing what shady behavior looks like before you accept an offer or ship out a package.

Their account gives nothing

Scammers don’t write real profiles; they make traps. When you land on a user with no listings, zero followers, no profile pic, and not a single love note? That’s not someone who just joined. That’s someone setting up shop for a single hit. 

These “burner” accounts are made to look empty on purpose. No history means no consequences. And the second the scam goes through, they’re gone. If it looks like the account could vanish tomorrow, assume it will.

They want to go off-platform

The golden rule: If they ask you to text, email, or pay outside of Poshmark, they’re trying to rob you without consequences. 

Scammers love PayPal and Zelle not because they’re fast, but because they’re outside the app’s protections. You lose Poshmark’s tracking, payment holds, and the dispute system the second you say yes. 

These messages often come wrapped in urgency: “It’ll be faster,” “I’ll pay extra,” “Let’s skip the fees.” It’s bait. And the moment you bite, you’re on your own.

Their messages feel … off

Scammers are getting better at playing the part, but the mask always slips. Watch for weird grammar, strange phrasing, or usernames that look autogenerated. 

They’ll often be overly friendly or weirdly formal (“Dear Seller,” seriously?). They might ask you to move quickly, get vague when questioned, or start praising the item in an overly fake tone. These aren’t buyers. They’re scripts. And the minute they feel unnatural, you need to treat them like a threat.

The price is way too good

You’re not the only one who knows what a $400 jacket should cost. Scammers bank on bait pricing to lure you in.

If something’s drastically underpriced, and the photos look like they were pulled from Google, then that’s not a steal, it’s a setup. This applies to both buyers and sellers. Someone offering way over your list price for no reason is not a flex, it’s fraud in progress. Real sales look real. If a deal sounds insane, assume it is.

They avoid questions like the plague

Ask anything slightly specific (sizing, condition, shipping timeline) and they’ll either ghost or change the subject. 

This goes beyond red flag territory; it’s a huge strategy. Scammers don’t want to get caught in a lie, so they stay vague. They’ll send short, generic replies or copy-paste messages meant to keep you moving fast. But real buyers and sellers love questions. They want the sale to work. If someone’s dodging basic info, they’re dodging accountability.

They pressure you to ship early

If they’re telling you to ship before it shows up in “My Sales,” run. These scammers usually come in hot, saying it’s a gift, or they need it fast, or they already paid. Sometimes they’ll send a fake confirmation email or a Photoshopped label to look legit.

But Poshmark’s system is simple: no label, no sale. Everything else is a lie. You’re being asked to give up the product before you’ve secured the payment. That’s not a shortcut, it’s an exit route for your item with zero payout.

Their profile photos are stolen (or sus)

Some scammer accounts use profile pics that look too polished, too corporate, or straight-up stock-image weird. 

You know the type: perfect lighting, smiley headshot, not a single other detail on the account. If it looks like it came from a LinkedIn ad and the username is something like “laura56820,” it probably didn’t come from a real seller.

These fake profiles often mirror legit users, using copied bios or follower counts to seem active. Reverse image search is your friend. And trust your gut. If the vibe’s off, get out of there.

They try to “verify” you

One of the newest scam tactics involves flipping the script: Scammers now pretend you need to pass some kind of ID check. They’ll send you links, forms, or even ask for your phone number to “verify” your Poshmark account before the sale goes through. 

None of this is real. Poshmark will never ask for off-platform verification, especially not via Google Forms or sketchy third-party sites. These scams exist to steal your login info or phone credentials. Don’t click, don’t fill out, don’t play along.

5 common Poshmark scams (and how to avoid them)

Let’s take a look at some real-world scenarios now. 

The pros and cons of selling on Poshmark

Poshmark’s simplicity and fashion-first approach are two of its biggest benefits for sellers. However, sellers are still unhappy with the platform fees, sometimes glitchy tech, and buyer-biased dispute resolution. 

Even seasoned resellers hit friction points, so if you’ve ever felt like it’s both your favorite and most stressful app, you’re not alone. Let’s break down the good, the bad, and the expensive.

Why do sellers still flock to Poshmark?

• App simplicity is undefeated: Snap, post, ship. Poshmark makes it easy to list from your phone without spreadsheets or SKU nightmares.
  
  
• Fashion-first buyers are baked in: This isn’t a general marketplace; Posh is where fashion, beauty, and accessories are already at home.
  
  
• Built-in protection is solid: Posh Protect covers lost packages, wrong items, and no-shows, so sellers aren’t left hanging.
  
  
• The social vibe boosts sales: Likes, comments, and Posh Parties help listings move; they’re not just surface-level cosmetics.
  
  
• Search visibility is built around sharing: Poshmark's default search sort is “Just Shared,” which means every time you share a listing, it jumps to the top of search results. Sharing is your primary tool for dominating Poshmark's internal search rankings. So the more you share, the more visible you become to buyers browsing categories or searching keywords.
  
  
• Returns stay limited: Buyers can’t just return for fun. Only misrepresented or fake items qualify, which limits scammy refunds.

What still needs more work?

• Fees are no joke: Poshmark takes 20% of sales over $15, which cuts deep for full-time sellers.
  
  
• High-value sales feel risky: Some sellers report weak resolution when buyers pull return scams or damaged goods.
  
  
• Buyers get the benefit of the doubt: “Not as described” claims often get approved even when sellers have receipts, proof, and receipts for their receipts.
  
  
• The new relist rule? A mess: Sellers are getting flagged for removing items sold elsewhere. This has led to many high-volume sellers using automation tools like Nifty to find sold items and bulk edit prices to avoid removals and double sales.
  
  
• Poshmark’s sharing daily limits: Poshmark allows up to 10,000 shares per day regardless of closet size, and many people have to tap out at that point, especially sellers with large closets. Nifty caps sharing at 8,000 to give you a 2,000-share buffer for manual activities like closet reorganization. This stops you from hitting platform limits while still maximizing your sharing potential.
  
  
• The tech isn’t always reliable: Search bugs, slow notifications, and occasional crashes make high-volume selling a pain.

What are real Poshmark sellers saying?

Poshmark’s overall rating on Trustpilot is 1.2 stars, but not everyone’s completely unhappy with the platform. Notably, many of the lower-star reviews are from people who have, unfortunately, been scammed. 

So, even with features and fees laid out, nothing tells the real story like seller feedback. We pulled reviews from verified sources to highlight the full picture, from glowing five-star experiences to a few reminders that reselling still takes a lot of effort.

Plenty of sellers still love the platform

• Happy Canadian vet with a win:
  I’ve been buying and selling on Poshmark since they first came to Canada in May 2019, and I’ve only ever had one somewhat negative experience … I have genuinely never been happier with a secondhand platform, and I’ve tried them all.
  Source → Trustpilot
  
  
• Thousands made from her closet:
  I have made over $15K on the platform selling used items from my closet! I have had nothing but positive experiences!
  Source → Trustpilot
  
  
• Great deals, great condition:
  I have ordered so many items and always got them as they were described … All athletic shorts and shirts were in good or new condition.
  Source → Trustpilot
  
  
• Support that actually replies:
  I had an issue with a dress I bought via Poshmark. I contacted customer service … and my issue was resolved immediately.
  Source → Trustpilot

Many users are not happy

• Insufficient seller support:
  
  • I have been a seller on Poshmark for a few years, reaching Ambassador status. The problem is they have zero customer service, nothing happens when you report inauthentic luxury items.
    Source → Trustpilot 
  • I've been selling on Poshmark for about 5 years and didn't run into issues until this year [2025]. In addition to increasing shipping fees which is deterring as both a buyer and seller, their customer support is horrible.
    Source → Trustpilot
    
    
• Sales slowdown frustration:
  I’ve made just a few sales this year, and to be honest, I’ve lost the motivation to put in the effort when it feels so unproductive.
  Source → Reddit
  
  
• Creative sellers feel unseen:
  No real person wanted to buy my clothes, nor did anyone appreciate my artistic approach to clothing photography … all of these supposed users were trying to take the transaction off the app.
  Source → The Catalyst
  
  
• Noticing the shift:
  My February [2025] was half of what it was last year [2024]. I haven't sold anything in March. Last year [2024] was $900 that month alone.
  Source → Reddit

Top 4 tips on what to do if you get scammed on Poshmark

Scams suck, but getting ghosted or stuck with a fake isn’t the end. Poshmark has a system for resolving issues. If you move quickly, document everything, and play it smart, you’ve got a real shot at turning things around.

1. Get your receipts

• Screenshot everything: Messages, photos, order numbers, basically anything that proves your side. Bonus points for timestamps.
  
  
• Compare the listing to what showed up: Highlight anything off, including pen marks, fake branding, size issues. Photo evidence wins cases.
  

2. Know what Poshmark covers

• They’ve got your back for fakes: Counterfeits, misrepresented condition, and buyer scams are covered, as long as your evidence holds up.
  
  
• They won’t cover regret returns: Change of heart? Wrong size, and the buyer didn’t check? That’s probably on the buyer.
  

3. Reach out to support if needed

• Denied claim? Escalate with proof: Use the Help Center and include more photos or receipts. Be clear and polite, and support will be more likely to listen.
  
  
• Report chronic scammers: If someone’s doing shady stuff repeatedly, flag the account. Repeat offenders do get booted.
  

4. Keep your cool

• Posh reps respond better to calm energy: Rants or rage emails won’t help. Stick to the facts and keep it business casual, even if you’re fuming.

How does Poshmark safety compare to other marketplaces?

Selling secondhand online can feel like walking a tightrope. Some platforms offer guardrails, while others leave you hanging when things go sideways. 

Here’s how Poshmark stacks up against four major marketplaces:

With Nifty, you sell smarter on Poshmark and other platforms 

If you’re asking whether Poshmark is legit but still spending hours managing your store manually, it’s time to level up.
Nifty is the ultimate AI command hub that makes automation, crosslisting, and analytics feel effortless, with no tabs, no stress, and no guesswork. 

• AI listing moves: Snap a pic and let Nifty’s AI build a superior listing, with SEO-optimized titles, descriptions, trending hashtags, and every dropdown filled in.
  
  
• Crosslist now: Post your items to Poshmark, eBay, Mercari, Depop, and Etsy in seconds. All cloud-based, no tabs open, while you live your life.
  
  
• Automatic delisting? Handled: When an item sells, Nifty pulls it from every other reselling platform so you don’t have to. No awkward cancellations. No heartbreaking buyer letdowns.
  
  
• Bulk tools = no busywork: Share and relist daily without lifting a finger. Update or discount dozens of items at once. You can even schedule drafts to go live while you sleep.
  
  
• Analytics and profits are real: See actual sales, profit margins, and top-performing products in one clean view. No more guessing which platform is draining your earnings.

“I spent the morning resyncing my inventory using my favorite crosslisting tool – Nifty. Everything’s smoother now, and I don’t waste time listing the same thing five times.”
— Kelsey, reseller and Nifty fan

Get your 7-day free trial started today, and see how Nifty can make your reselling (and Poshmark) experience so much easier.

FAQs

1. Can you get scammed on Poshmark as a seller?

Yes, you can get scammed on Poshmark as a seller. Scams typically involve buyers who manipulate the refund system or make false claims about items. To protect yourself, keep all receipts, photos, and conversation screenshots, since Poshmark's support team requires evidence to resolve disputes in your favor.

2. How much does Poshmark take from each sale?

Poshmark takes 20% commission on sales above $15 and a flat $2.95 fee on sales below $15. This fee structure is automatic and deducted from your earnings before payment. While some sellers consider this high compared to other platforms, others find it reasonable given Poshmark's built-in shipping labels and payment processing.

3. Is Poshmark safe for sellers?

Yes, Poshmark is mostly safe for sellers. The platform offers built-in shipping protection and payment holds. However, seller protections can be inconsistent, especially on high-value items where disputes are more common. Think of it as having basic safety measures in place, but not thorough coverage for every situation.

4. Can you make a full-time income selling on Poshmark?

Yes, you can make a full-time income selling on Poshmark, but only if you treat it like a serious business. This means tracking profits carefully, sourcing inventory consistently, and using reselling tools like Nifty to scale your operations efficiently.

5. What tools help automate Poshmark sales?

Nifty is the primary tool for handling Poshmark sales, offering bulk tools for crosslisting, auto-relisting, delisting, and incredible analytics features. These tools help you manage larger inventories and maintain consistent activity without violating Poshmark's terms of service, essentially turning manual store management into a smooth operation.

6. Does Poshmark offer seller protection?

Yes, Poshmark offers limited seller protection, which works best when buyers open cases without valid evidence. However, if buyers present convincing claims or manipulate the system creatively, seller protection becomes less reliable. The protection is there, but it's not foolproof against all dispute scenarios.

7. What happens if a buyer lies about your item?

If a buyer lies about your item, you need evidence to prove it. Poshmark will review photos, descriptions, and any supporting documentation you have. Without solid proof that contradicts the buyer's claims, you're likely to lose the dispute, so keeping proof, like screenshots and receipts, is crucial.

8. Is Poshmark reliable for expensive items?

Yes, Poshmark can be reliable for expensive items, but you should be prepared for potential complications. While authentication services help verify luxury goods, returns and disputes on high-value items are where seller protection often proves inadequate. This makes expensive sales riskier than selling lower-priced items.

9. Is Poshmark better than eBay or Mercari?

Poshmark is better than eBay or Mercari specifically for fashion items, because of its social features and fashion-focused audience. However, eBay and Mercari offer broader product categories and sometimes better seller support. Using crosslisting tools like Nifty allows you to sell on multiple platforms simultaneously instead of limiting yourself to just one.

10. Can you use Poshmark bots or automation?

Yes, you can use Poshmark automation tools, but only use compliant bots that don't violate platform rules. Tools like Nifty are designed to automate sharing, relisting, and auto-delisting while staying within Poshmark's terms of service. Avoid any automation that uses questionable tactics or operates in gray areas that could get your account suspended.