7 Warning Signs of Laptop Scams on Etsy

Overpriced 'Vintage' Tech or Resold AliExpress Items: Be wary of listings that claim to be 'vintage' high-end tech like a Lenovo Legion 9 Pro Laptop at surprisingly low prices. Scammers often re-list items from sites like AliExpress, misrepresenting them as unique finds. If the deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.

Off-Site Transaction Requests: Legitimate sellers will conduct all communication and transactions through Etsy's platform. If a seller asks to communicate or complete the payment outside of Etsy (e.g., via direct email, Venmo, or PayPal), this is a major red flag. This bypasses Etsy's buyer protection and makes it difficult to recover funds if something goes wrong.

Account Verification Phishing: Scammers may send you messages or emails impersonating Etsy support, requesting personal information like your password, email address, or verification codes under the guise of account verification or payment confirmation. Always verify such requests through official Etsy channels and never click on suspicious links.

Misleading Product Descriptions & Fake Images: Sellers might use stolen images or provide vague descriptions to hide the true condition or origin of a Lenovo Legion 9 Pro Laptop. Always scrutinize product photos for inconsistencies or signs of being stock images. A seller who avoids providing detailed information or clear, unique photos of the actual laptop is suspicious.

Stolen or Refurbished Laptops with Hidden Issues: Be cautious of sellers who cannot provide proof of ownership or a verifiable purchase history. There's a risk of purchasing a stolen device or a refurbished unit with undisclosed issues, especially for high-value electronics. Always ask for the serial number and proof of purchase.

Sellers Requesting Address Changes After Purchase: If a seller requests to ship the laptop to an address different from the one on the order, it can be a sign of a scam to circumvent delivery confirmation and claim non-receipt. Stick to the original shipping address confirmed during checkout.

Unusually Low Prices and Hacked Accounts: A Lenovo Legion 9 Pro Laptop listed at a price significantly below market value, especially from an account with limited sales history or suspicious feedback, could indicate a hacked account being used for fraudulent purposes.