The 4 Most Common Scams Targeting Bespoke Tailoring on Folksy

Navigating the World of Bespoke Tailoring on Folksy Safely

Bespoke tailoring offers a unique and personalized experience, but it's crucial to be aware of potential scams that can undermine this craft on platforms like Folksy. This guide will help you identify and avoid common fraudulent practices.

Resell of Mass-Produced Goods

Be wary of sellers who claim to offer 'bespoke' tailoring but are actually reselling mass-produced items. True bespoke tailoring involves creating a garment from scratch with a unique pattern for each client, a process that cannot be outsourced or mass-produced [1, 2, 3]. Scammers may use high-quality images and convincing descriptions to mask the fact that the item is factory-made and not individually tailored [4, 5]. Always question if the seller is the actual tailor creating the garment.

Off-Platform PayPal Invoicing

While Folksy primarily uses integrated payment systems like PayPal or Stripe [6], be cautious if a seller insists on conducting the transaction entirely off-platform via PayPal invoices. This practice bypasses Folksy's buyer protection policies and can expose you to risks. Scammers might send fake invoices or use off-platform transactions to avoid scrutiny and make it difficult to seek recourse if issues arise [9, 11, 13, 17]. It's best to keep all transactions within the platform's secure payment gateway.

Stolen Artisan Photography

Some fraudulent sellers may use stolen photographs of high-quality bespoke tailoring to advertise their non-existent services. This is particularly prevalent in creative fields where visual representation is key [8]. Always verify that the images shown match the seller's actual work and inquire about their process. A genuine bespoke tailor will often be able to provide details about their unique pattern-making and construction methods, and may even have client testimonials or a portfolio of their own work.

VAT/Customs Payment Phish

Be suspicious of any unsolicited requests for additional payments, especially for 'customs fees' or 'VAT' outside of the initial agreed-upon price, particularly if these requests come through unofficial channels. While customs or VAT charges may apply to international orders [7], legitimate sellers will typically incorporate these into the final price or clearly state them in the product description. Scammers might use urgent language or official-looking (but fake) invoices to trick you into sending money directly to them, bypassing the platform's secure payment system.

Protecting Yourself on Folksy

• ✓ Thoroughly vet sellers by checking their reviews, shop history, and communication style.
• ✓ Always conduct transactions through Folksy's secure payment system.
• ✓ Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true or requests for off-platform payments.
• ✓ If something feels suspicious, trust your instincts and disengage from the transaction.
• ✓ Familiarize yourself with Folksy's buyer protection policies and terms of service [7, 10, 14, 21].