If it’s your first buying or selling experience on Depop, then it’s absolutely normal to have concerns about the legitimacy of the platform.
Whether you are buying or selling online, there is always a chance of getting scammed. Therefore, it’s really important to do due diligence before making a purchase or starting selling on an online marketplace like Depop.
In this blog, we will be discussing everything about Depop that you need to know as a first-time buyer or seller. Moreover, we will be answering your question “Is Depop legit?”
So, without further ado, let’s begin.
What is Depop?
Depop is an online marketplace where users can buy and sell clothing, shoes, fashion accessories, and more—primarily focusing on pre-loved, vintage, and unique fashion finds.
Think of Depop as a cross between eBay and Instagram, where aesthetic meets commerce. Sellers list their items using curated photos and stylish flat lays, while buyers scroll, like, follow, and message just like they would on a social media app.
Launched with a Gen Z audience in mind, Depop has grown rapidly and now has over 30 million registered users in more than 150 countries. Whether you’re hunting for rare Y2K fashion, upcycled streetwear, or designer pieces at a discount, Depop offers a dynamic and creative platform to discover it all.
And it’s not just about shopping—Depop has also become a lucrative side hustle for many. The Depop community has collectively earned over $1 billion so far, with some top sellers turning their shops into full-time businesses. Currently, there are more than 32 million items listed for sale, making Depop one of the largest marketplaces for pre-loved fashion.
What sets Depop apart is its community-driven nature. Sellers build personal brands, connect with like-minded fashion buyers, and contribute to a more sustainable way of consuming fashion. It’s not just ecommerce—it’s a cultural movement towards conscious, individual style.
Also Read: How to Get More Sales on Depop
Is Depop Legit?
There is no doubt that Depop is indeed a legit marketplace for buying and selling items.
Founded in 2011, Depop over the years has established itself as a trusted online marketplace where millions of users buy and sell fashion items daily.
With over 85,000 reviews on the Google Play Store and a solid 4.4-star rating, most users (both buyers and sellers) feel comfortable using the Depop app for their secondhand shopping needs.
The company operates with legit business practices, including secure payment processing and a protection policy that safeguards both buyers and sellers.
When you purchase through the app, your transaction goes through their secure system rather than directly to unknown sellers.
Safety on Depop largely depends on how you use it. Most negative experiences stem from users who ignore warning signs or bypass the platform’s built-in protections.
Moreover, Depop provides tools like verified reviews, messaging systems, and reporting features to help users feel confident when buying or selling on the platform.
Remember that Depop is primarily an online marketplace connecting sellers and buyers. The company itself doesn’t sell items, so your experience will vary based on who you’re dealing with.
Can You Get Scammed on Depop?
Yes, scams do happen on Depop despite the platform’s strict security measures. Scammers target both buyers and sellers on Depop with increasingly sophisticated tactics that exploit trust and urgency.
The most common Depop scams involve requests to move transactions off the app to avoid Depop’s protection policies.
When someone suggests completing a transaction through Venmo, PayPal Friends & Family, or direct bank transfers, this should immediately raise red flags.
These payment methods lack the buyer protection that Depop’s in-app payment system provides. Once money leaves your account through these channels, recovering it becomes nearly impossible.
Sellers also can get scammed on Depop. There are buyers on Depop who falsely claim items never arrived or were damaged, demanding refunds while keeping the items. This “item not as described” scam works because Depop often sides with buyers in disputes.
Protection starts with following Depop’s guidelines exactly. Never move transactions off-platform, prefer the “Ship with Depop” shipping method, and document your items with clear photos before sending them to buyers. These simple steps create a safety net that makes scamming much harder.
Remember that Depop can only protect transactions that happen within its system. The moment you step outside their rules, you’re on your own.
Will Depop Refund Me If I Get Scammed?
Depop does offer refunds if you get scammed, but only under specific conditions. Their Buyer Protection policy covers purchases made through the official BUY button within the Depop app. This protection acts as a safety net for buyers when shopping from unknown sellers.
If your item never arrives or looks completely different from what was listed, Depop will step in to help. The refund process works differently based on your payment method. For PayPal transactions, Depop guides you through filing a dispute directly with PayPal. If you used Depop Payments, Depop handles the refund process internally.
Not all disappointing purchases qualify as scams, though. Small differences in color or minor undisclosed flaws may not meet Depop’s refund requirements. In these cases, you’ll need to message the seller directly to work out a solution.
Always keep evidence of misleading listings by taking screenshots before purchasing. This documentation strengthens your case if you need to request a refund later.
