Is Mercari Safe to use? Buyer & Seller Safety Guide (2025)

Online marketplaces have changed how we shop. Now, we can easily find everything from unique items to everyday necessities with a swipe or a tap. Mercari has become a popular option in this space. Since launching in Japan in 2013 and coming to the U.S. in 2014, it has gained over 20 million monthly active users. This makes it one of the top platforms for buying and selling second-hand and special items.

However, this convenience has a downside. A 2024 study found that global fraud losses in e-commerce reached 44.3 billion dollars and are expected to rise. Consumer reports show that online purchase scams cause significant financial harm, with about 87 percent of victims losing money.

In this guide, we will examine Mercari’s legitimacy, the scams buyers should avoid, and how to shop safely in digital marketplaces. By the end, you will understand whether Mercari is a trustworthy platform and how to use it confidently.

What is Mercari and How Does It Work?

Mercari is an online marketplace where people can easily buy and sell new, used items. Unlike regular online stores that sell directly, Mercari allows users to sell to each other. Anyone can create a seller account, list items, and connect with buyers.

The whole process is super simple. Sellers post their items with photos, descriptions, and prices. Buyers can browse categories like fashion, electronics, home goods, and collectibles. When a buyer spots something they want, they can grab it through the app. Mercari keeps the payment secure until the buyer gets their item and confirms it’s what they expected. Only then does the seller get their money. This setup helps cut down on scams and builds some trust between users.

Mercari also makes shipping a breeze by providing prepaid labels for sellers to use when sending out their items. This feature smoothens out transactions and clears up shipping costs and tracking. Buyers can follow their shipments in the app and let Mercari know if there are any issues, like if the package goes missing or the item isn’t what they thought.

Mercari is appealing for its flexibility. It allows users to sell unwanted items and buyers to find discounted or unique goods. Its convenience, variety, and buyer/seller protection make it a great option for second-hand shopping.

Is Mercari Legit?

Mercari is a trustworthy platform for buying and selling items. It is not a scam or a random website. The company is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and has millions of users in the U.S. using the app each month.  

Many people confuse the platform with the sellers. Mercari itself is legitimate, but like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, you may encounter some dishonest sellers. Mercari has safety features to protect you. They hold payments until buyers confirm they received their orders, and this holding of payment makes it harder for dishonest sellers to take your money. If something goes wrong, Mercari offers refunds and support.

Basically, it’s not a scam site. It’s a legit marketplace where you can transact safely if you follow the rules. Here are a few signs that prove it’s trustworthy:

• Mercari is a publicly traded company with strict business regulations.
• More than 100 million people worldwide have downloaded the app.
• Payments are protected through an escrow system until delivery is confirmed.
• Buyers can file disputes and request refunds through official support.

Why is Mercari not a scam, but scams still happen on it?

Mercari is a legit marketplace. It’s a registered company traded publicly in Japan, so many users trust it monthly. They have a straightforward business model: They charge small fees for selling instead of trying to scam people. Plus, they use an escrow payment system, which means sellers only get paid after buyers confirm the item arrived in good shape. All these things prove that the platform isn’t a scam.

What sometimes creates confusion is the activity of individuals who misuse the marketplace. Like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, Mercari attracts both genuine sellers and a smaller number of people who try to exploit the system. When scams occur, it is not because the platform is fraudulent but because dishonest users are taking advantage of it.

Here are a few ways scams can appear on Mercari:

• Counterfeit goods are being listed as authentic.
• Fake tracking numbers or empty box shipments.
• Buyers falsely report that items never arrived.
• Sellers or buyers are asking to move the deal outside the app to avoid Mercari’s protections.

Mercari provides a safe way to make purchases. However, no marketplace can completely eliminate dishonest sellers. Knowing this helps shoppers trust Mercari while staying aware of possible scams.

Common Scams on Mercari

Like any marketplace where people buy and sell, Mercari has its good and bad moments. Sometimes, you may encounter scams. Most transactions go smoothly, but watching for warning signs before purchasing is important. Recognizing common scam patterns can protect your money and avoid unnecessary stress.

Some of the most common scams reported on Mercari include:

Counterfeit Products

Sellers listing fake or knockoff items as authentic in high-demand categories such as designer handbags, sneakers, and electronics often target these categories. These listings may use stock photos or too-good-to-be-true prices to lure buyers.

Empty Box or Fake Shipment Scams

It’s frustrating when sellers use dishonest tactics like sending an empty box or giving a fake tracking number to pretend they’ve shipped the item. They count on Mercari’s payment system, which needs delivery confirmation, hoping that tracking info will trick the system into releasing the funds. This trickery can leave buyers feeling cheated.

Bait and Switch Listings

A seller shares awesome pictures of a product, but you actually receive a cheaper, crappier version or something that looks nothing like what was promised.. This can be super frustrating because it really takes advantage of buyer trust.

Refund Abuse by Buyers

Not all scams are seller-driven. Some buyers attempt to claim that their item never arrived or that it was not as described, even when it was. They do this to trigger refunds while keeping the product.

Off-Platform Communication

Scammers often try to convince buyers to move the chat off Mercari and suggest paying directly with bank transfers, PayPal friends and family, or gift cards. But if that happens, Mercari’s buyer protections don’t apply anymore, which means you’re out of luck and can’t get your money back if something goes wrong.

How do you tell if a seller on Mercari is safe?

Not every seller on Mercari is out to deceive buyers. In fact, most of them are just everyday folks trying to sell items honestly. The tricky part is distinguishing between a reliable seller and one who might raise some concerns. By knowing what to pay attention to before you buy, you can steer clear of potential problems and have a smoother shopping experience.

Here are some key signs that a seller is likely safe:

Positive Reviews and Ratings

Always check the seller’s review history. Multiple positive reviews from past buyers show that the seller has completed successful transactions. Be cautious with sellers who have no feedback or a pattern of negative comments.

Clear and Detailed Listings

Safe sellers usually provide thorough descriptions and multiple photos of the item, not just stock images. Look for listings that clearly explain the product’s condition and any imperfections.

Reasonable Pricing

If a deal looks too good to be true, it often is. Scammers sometimes list high-demand items like AirPods, luxury bags, or gaming consoles at unusually low prices to bait buyers. Trusted sellers usually price their items closer to market value.

Verified Identity

Mercari offers account verification features, such as phone number or ID checks. Verified sellers add a layer of reassurance that you are dealing with a real person, not a throwaway account.

Consistent Communication

Reliable sellers respond to questions politely and promptly through Mercari’s in-app chat. If a seller pressures you to move the conversation off the platform or avoid official payment methods, that is a red flag.

How Mercari Protects Buyers?

Buying secondhand items online can be risky, but Mercari has rules to help make shopping safer. These protections do not guarantee that you won’t encounter scams, but they provide essential tools to help you avoid losing money and resolve problems.

1. Secure Payment System

Mercari’s system handles all payments, so sellers don’t see your payment information. This differs from using PayPal Friends & Family or Venmo, where things can get trickier. Your money goes through Mercari and sits there until the order is all wrapped up, which cuts down the chances of payment fraud.

2. Escrow-Style Payment Release

Mercari holds onto your payment until you’ve actually received the item. Sellers only get paid after you confirm the delivery and rate the transaction. If something goes wrong, such as the lost item, arriving damaged, or not matching the listing, you can file a complaint before funds are released.

3. Mercari Buyer Guarantee

The Buyer Guarantee acts as your safety net. It covers you if:

• The item never arrives.
• The package is lost in transit.
• The item is counterfeit, damaged, or significantly different from the description.
• You can request a return and refund through the app in these cases.

4. Dispute Resolution Support

When there’s a disagreement between buyer and seller, Mercari’s customer support team steps in. They review photos, shipment tracking, and communication history before deciding. This is a significant advantage over direct peer-to-peer transactions, where you’d have no neutral third party to resolve issues.

5. Verified Shipping and Tracking

Every order has built-in tracking if you use Mercari’s prepaid shipping labels. This gives buyers proof that an item was shipped, and ensures sellers can’t claim they sent something when they didn’t.

6. Protection Only Within the App

A critical detail: Mercari’s protections only apply if you stick to in-app payments and messaging. If a seller asks you to pay via Cash App, Zelle, or PayPal outside the platform, you lose all coverage under Mercari’s Buyer Guarantee.

Tips to Stay Safe While Buying on Mercari

Shopping on Mercari can be fun and rewarding, but staying safe requires extra attention. Like any online marketplace, the experience depends on how careful and informed you are. The good news is that Mercari already provides tools to protect you, and with a few smart habits, you can avoid most risks.

1. Stick to in-app communication

Always communicate with sellers through Mercari’s messaging system instead of switching to text or email. Mercari can intervene if a dispute arises and keeps your private information safe.

2. Check seller ratings and reviews

Before making a purchase, scroll through a seller’s profile. Look for:

• Number of completed sales
• Average rating (out of 5)
• Comments from past buyers
• Consistency in product descriptions and photos
• A seller with strong ratings and detailed feedback is far less likely to cause issues.

3. Watch out for red flags in listings

Some warning signs include:

• Prices that are dramatically lower than the market average.
• Stock images instead of real photos.
• Vague descriptions or missing details.
• A seller refusing to answer simple product questions.
• If something feels off, trust your instincts and move on.

4. Use Mercari’s secure payment system

Don’t pay outside the app using PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards. When you pay in the app, you can get your money back if your order doesn’t come or isn’t what you expected.

5. Inspect your item quickly

Open your package and check it against the listing when you get it. If there’s a problem, file a claim within Mercari’s review period. Waiting too long may reduce your chances of getting a refund.

6. Be cautious with high-ticket items

When buying electronics, luxury items, or collectibles, asking sellers for extra photos, proof that the item is authentic, or even the serial number, is a good idea. Scammers love going after these things because they can sell for a lot.

7. Protect your personal information

Never share your phone number, email, or address directly with a seller. Mercari only needs your shipping details, which are handled securely within the platform.

How a VPN Can Help?

Mercari has safety measures, but you should also protect yourself online. Scams often happen through phishing emails and fake Wi-Fi networks. Using a VPN can help.

A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your online activity, keeping it safe from hackers. When you use Mercari, you share payment details and chat with sellers, so staying protected is essential.

Here is how AstrillVPN helps keep you safe:

• If you shop on Mercari using café, airport, or mall Wi-Fi, a VPN ensures your connection is encrypted so that no one can steal your data.
• By masking your IP address, AstrillVPN makes it harder for scammers to track your location or build a profile on you.
• End-to-end encryption keeps your card details and order info private and secure.
• Even if scammers send fake links, your information remains hidden, making it harder for them to target you.

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