Tips for Buying Safely on Etsy

Here are some best practices to help ensure safe purchases on Etsy or on an Etsy-powered website.

Overall, use your best judgement. If something seems shady or too good to be true, it’s best not to risk it.

Credit card safety

Never give your full credit card number, tax identification number, or password in an email, Etsy Message, or over the phone.
If you are making a transaction in person, do not speak your credit card information aloud. Be sure to sign for the transaction and request a receipt.
Check your credit card statement regularly to track your spending and card activity.
Keep track of your credit card: who is authorised to use it, and who has access to it.

Change your passwords on a regular basis. The more complex a password is, the better you’re protected.
If you share your computer or device, sign out of any website accounts before letting others use it.

Check a seller’s reviews and shop policies before purchase, and send an Etsy Message to a seller before buying if you have questions or concerns.
Notify us at verification@etsy.com if you see a credit card charge you can’t find in your account. Our specialists can help you investigate it.
Keep your transaction on Etsy. We can’t verify or assist with payments made outside of Etsy Payments or PayPal.
If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from Etsy, forward it to us at spoof@etsy.com.
If you supply materials for a custom order from a shop, you do so at your own risk.
In some circumstances, Etsy may use a third-party encryption service, SendSafely, to securely request additional information to confirm a transaction, such as a copy of government-issued photo ID.