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, social security 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.
Internet/Computer safety
- 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.
On Etsy
- 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.
You may also want to review our Introduction to Buying on Etsy.