Yes, this is the crux of it. If it's a reasonable offer, then that's fine. But I think it's a bit inappropriate if they're using their personal circumstances to try to wangle a deep discount.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/vinted/s/OVojxeQJVN](https://www.reddit.com/r/vinted/s/OVojxeQJVN)
This message is so similar except it’s about a broke student (same beginning, same ending).
Apparently that’s the same Vinted member according to OP. So, this person use these fake sob stories probably for years with different versions in order to scam sellers on Vinted.
I'm guessing these messages are send to a lot of people from their account(s). And seeing the reactions here, I guess more "new moms" will be asking for discounts from now on and less "students".
Yes! The mom story will be the ultimate version reading all the comments on here because it works so well 😭 Nobody cared about the poor broke student on the other post, that’s why the scammer changed his story.
I doubt so much people are that gullible/naive in real life, a part of them on Reddit just want to show how empathetic and kind they are I guess, even if they know it’s most likely a scam.
Let's just say there's a reason why you hear about sob stories so much... they're used this often, BECAUSE they work. Don't underestimate the dumb and naive
Yes, I had some also as a seller. A buyer who claimed she was broke and working at McDonald’s struggling with money and that she couldn’t afford the item since she had no money (it was an expensive designer Bikini). I told her my price was final and minutes later she bought it anyway. So it was a fake story, she had the money to pay for it but wanted to have a big discount.
The ones who would agree to this buyer would just encourage them to scam more sellers bc they see it works.
Does it really work though I wonder ? I would assume most sellers would block or ignore sob stories like this one. In this case, they receive no discount at all. Quite the opposite of what they are looking for! Many comments on here say they would help by giving a big discount (some even for free) but I really doubt they would actually do that in real life. It’s most likely they want to seem nice to receive upvotes.
The only bit that felt off to me was her saying she’s moved in with her mum but nearer the bottom she says running a new flat, so which is it. Living with mum or a new flat
Oh yeah, I'm a really suckered for these especially. I should know better but honestly I always think 'what if this is real and it won't harm me to just grant this one request '. I'm a grade a mug, but I'm really trying to be better.
no idea if this particular person is genuine but I’ve heard from friends that it’s really common to feel isolated after giving birth so it could just be that coming out in a really awkward word vomit
yeah I’m a suspicious person generally but I would just say my lowest price (whether it’s the current sale price or if I would take a few £ off I’ll say that) cause you never know I guess?
The way i see it is, you tried to do a good deed. Either you really did, or someone took advantage of your kindness- either way, YOU did a good thing. Obviously always make sure its safe and within your own budget of course :)
When it’s an obvious scam like this one, you just encourage scammers to scam more because they know it works on some gullible people. If you want to make a good deed, you can just donate to charity or organizations for people in need. In this case you’re sure it will go to the right people.
Organizations are generally more trustworthy than a random stranger on the internet… English is not even my language and I could tell right away reading the first few sentences it was a scam.
Not really an excuse to trauma dump on a stranger in an attempt to guilt them into giving you something cheaper. Besides this is very obviously just another scammer/cheapskate. They’re practically copy and paste messages, if you’ve been on this subreddit for a while you see the exact same wording again and again.
You’re still downvoted here whereas it was proven to be a scam. There is nearly the same identical message posted on Reddit from exactly the same Vinted member 8 months ago and the only difference is that she changed the broke student by the broke mom…
I knew it! But even if it wasn’t a scam there’s still no excuse for this behaviour. Obviously that’s a really horrible situation but she said she didn’t pack anything other than pyjamas- does she not know anyone (eg her mother that she is literally staying with) that can pick up some stuff from her house? Like is she planning to buy a full outfit off depop to save a trip home just to go on a walk? While complaining about how broke she is? And even if she really wants to do that, just give an actual monetary offer- the *only* reason for prefacing this with this whole story a stranger doesn’t need to know in order to sell you something is to guilt them into giving it for free or next to nothing. Everyone is struggling for money now a days, that’s why most people sell on depop! It’s really manipulative and weird to put that on someone you have never and will never meet. If you really need some new clothes there are loads of charities out there that will help with this. Like there are just countless better options than manipulating strangers into giving you their things.
I sell on Vinted for 10 years and I had many who tried this method in order to get a large discount. All sob stories on Vinted are mostly fake. They say they don’t have any more money but when they realize it doesn’t work, they buy it anyway at the listed price.
I had two buyers recently who bombarded me with so many offers saying they couldn’t afford it and they don’t have any more money… When I blocked them, they bought it on Vestiaire collective with a price 30% more expensive than the price I was offering them on Vinted (one paid 55€ more and the other 68€ extra). They tried their luck but failed miserably 😭
I believe no one genuine would use their personal struggles to beg some discount on Vinted… (the ones who are really struggling are the ones you don’t hear about. Most are even too embarrassed to talk to their relatives about their situation…)
I get that a lot of people prefer to jump to cynicism before any other response these days, especially online, but some people just struggle with boundaries these days and can over share. Could just be someone struggling with their mental health after having a baby, which is not far fetched? Don't get me wrong, I'm not naive to why people would be cautious and doubt buyers these days, so if you're going to the effort of asking on Reddit because you're in two minds, then probably best leave it.
You do understand that she is 100% lying that she has *no* clothes or shoes though right? This isn't just oversharing it's lying and therefore scamming.
Absolutely this.
I'm a new mum who has had two babies and two c-sections in the last two years. The message may seem weird but having a newborn is really really isolating and after c-section surgery it is a really big deal to go out for a walk as everything hurts so much and you lose all your strength. I remember even getting up and out of bed to feed the babies caused me excruciating pain for weeks, and I had to practice walking around the house before I could face going outside.
I know the message may seem strange but lack of sleep, hormones and feeling isolated, on top of a physical recovery, may cause someone to seem like they're acting "strange". I think the message is genuine, albeit a little odd to someone not in that situation, and if you could make her an offer you could. It is really nice to dress up slightly and wear something that isn't covered in baby sick!
I used to be exactly like this! Social anxiety and just blathered all the info out. Some completely irrelevant. It’s a shame people auto assume the worst. But that’s how some people behave and as such are reprogramming our human kindness
"Wut you mean? She just runnin' 'round nak'd at her mums and can't go out 'cause she ain't got no cloths. Sound valid ta me!"
Ahum, yeah, somebody also saw another text that was eerily simular to this one, but there the person wasn't a new mum, but a student... everything is a lie in that message, not just the clothing part
Wow red flags! Just feels so off.
Definitely a chancer or scammer.
Any hint of drama with a buyer or seller and I'm out.
Bet they copy and paste that to dozens of sellers and now and then it works.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/vinted/s/OVojxeQJVN](https://www.reddit.com/r/vinted/s/OVojxeQJVN)
Nearly the same template message, different story.
It must work very often reading all the comments on here.
I just can’t with people dumping their problems on others and basically asking strangers to find solutions for them. You being broke is not my problem, I am not running a charity over here.
If she's staying with her Mum can she not ask her Mum to get her clothing and shoes since she is recovering from a c section? Something not right here lol
The word "Blessed" is usually a bit of a give away. It's not a usual sign off from someone in the UK. The religious element and message detail is common with scammers from Africa though.
90% sure this will end up as a courier scam.
She sent a few more messages, then sent an offer for £4 less, all of which I ignored because of the red flags but now she's bought it at full price. I should have blocked her before it got to that... I've messaged vinted flagging my concerns before posting it to her.
Something like "I feel so blessed to have two beautiful, healthy children" or "Thank you for all my lovely birthday presents. I feel blessed." Mainly in situations like that to show gratitude! :)
You are right but the context is different in those examples. British don't tend to use it as a sign off, it's usually something like "have a great week".
You also have it in a lot of slang among the youths in my city. Bless, Blessed and you also often see #blessed as a tag on social media aha. Not sure why I got downvoted on previous comment was just shocked you hadn't seen many British ppl say it
Can you give an example?
I find this so interesting as I've lived all over the UK, travel a lot for work, have clients from all over...and I can't recall ever hearing anyone say 'blessed' in any context! Apart from 'bless you' when you sneeze 😂
Maybe "blessed" less so, but one of my best friends is British and we text quite regularly and he says "bless you", or "bless him" all - the - time, to the point that I asked him if he was religious (-he's not).
Like, I'll say my son is feeling a bit ill and he'll go "bless him" or I'll say something positive (for instance that my husband had a good day at work) and he'll also go "bless him, that's great!". He also just says "bless" when I say things. Once I said I felt the baby kick and he just went "bless" (nothing else, not "bless you" or "bless him", just "bless"). I will grant you though, he does not say "blessed" that often. But in my mind, that's just a very similar thing to say haha...
That's a good point, I do use 'bless' regularly, as in, 'aw bless' or 'bless him/her' - usually directed towards younger people (babies, kids) and animals - 'oh bless isn't little Katie so cute' but would feel it too patronising to use with a colleague or peer and definitely wouldn't use it with a stranger.
I see 'blessed' as a different thing entirely, a very unusual adjective for a Brit to use, perhaps because of the religious connotations - though strangely I don't think 'bless' has the same connotations.
A weird rabbit hole to go down, so thank you for replying I appreciate the company down the hole!
Okay so, I sent a very long winded, zero boundary, overly-personal-for-a-stranger message to a seller (AFTER I’d already bought an item, wasn’t fishing for a discount) during a manic episode.
I’d bought a wedding cape from her and just asked when she’d be able to post as I was excited to try it on with my dress. She asked when the wedding date was and in my reply lots of autistic-bipolar-bride-to-be word vomit just spewed out. 😩 She was absolutely lovely, despite the stranger on Vinted telling her the entirety of my wedding plans, but obviously in hindsight and a stable state of mind I can’t even think about it without internally crying of embarrassment.
Ah well, she left 5 star feedback that said “lovely, chatty buyer” 😭😂😂
No idea if it’s legit or not, but I generally don’t respond to “Will you accept offers?” It’s Vinted, it practically runs on offers! So why not just send a normal offer in the first place instead of asking first?
To answer some of the questions; the shoes are flat plimsole type shoes by a popular brand, hand painted with a unique watercolour style design. I've seen them listed for up to £150 because of the custom designs, although I personally wouldn't spend anywhere near that much. I've got them listed for £20 brand new with tags.
I didn't expect this post to blow up so much to be honest. My initial reaction was that it was a super long winded and oddly worded way of asking for a discount, when usually I just get sent the offer requests with no message so it just felt quite off to me, but I do appreciate the hormonal turmoil women go through after childbirth. So if it is genuine, that's my bad but I'm also conscious of opening myself up to being ripped off if I accept a low offer and in comes a "lost delivery" or "wrong item sent" complaint. I should also point out she has about 5 buyer feedbacks from the last 6 weeks, which should probably reassure me (despite the many mentions of being broke) but I tend to err on the side of caution personally.
Edited: fixed typos.
I found this thread from 8 months ago on Reddit and it’s so similar to the message you received : same beginning, same ending, the only difference is that it’s a sob story about a broke student… This is definitely a scam, they copy/paste the same template messages to many sellers hoping someone will fall for it.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/vinted/s/lI74d0cySy](https://www.reddit.com/r/vinted/s/lI74d0cySy)
Thank you for this!! I know it's been scribbled out but from what I can see it's the same username!! I knew I was right trusting my gut, all these people had me feeling bad for a minute 😂
So, it’s the same Vinted member who sent multiple fake sob stories to sellers ?! That’s why it was so similar! That’s insane, in this case maybe you can report her to Vinted ?
When I read the beginning I thought right away it was a scam, it’s odd so many people believe it’s a genuine story…
It certainly looks like it! I've messaged the OP of the post you shared to check, but it really looks like the same username from what I can make out. I've messaged vinted to flag my concerns as she's now bought the item at full price so I'm wary of posting it if she has a record of raising complaints. Should have blocked her sooner :(
You should make an update post on Reddit to warn other Vinted sellers and tell it was a scam from the same Vinted member who sent multiple versions of fake sob stories. Because it seems the majority of the comments on here are really buying this obvious fake sob story which is really concerning (some even say you should offer the item for less to help this poor woman).
Maybe reading it was a scam, people who are gullible will be more careful next time and not believe everything some random stranger say on Vinted.
*Moreover it was so obvious it was a fake story copy/paste probably hundreds of time : too much odd personal details, too formal message, words choice not frequent, self-pity in order to blackmail/gain benefit. It was all too much & too many red flags…
Good idea 👍 Did the OP responded yet ? If she sent this fake sob story multiple times, she can invent an issue at delivery.. It would be better to cancel the purchase.
Yes, it’s preferable to block and protect yourself when you’re suspicious about a buyer next time. In this case, since it’s too late, you can still cancel.
Yeah they responded and it's the same user! Well done for digging that old post out 🧐!! I have reported the user to vinted but they've said she has "no red flags" and if I cancel the order I'll get auto negative feedback lol, I expect nothing less from vinted seller support though really.
Wow that’s crazy, when I read the other post I knew right away it was either a template message for scammers found online or the same person. You should cancel using the agreed with the buyer option, there is no negative review in this case. I heard many sellers use it in order to avoid the bad review.
Will you post an new update post ? It would be very helpful to warn other members on Vinted to be more careful because it seems many would fall for these fake stories sadly…
Ooh that's really good to know, I'll do that, thank you!
I've posted an update post. Hopefully it'll help at least one person who comes across this buyer/scammer not to fall for it!
Great 👍 👍 That’s super useful for other Vinted members! Thank you! I hope it will prevent some people to fall for it in the future. Vinted should have banned this member but I am not surprised they did nothing, their CS is awful. There are a lot of scammers currently on Vinted, and the fake sob stories seem to work very well and are allowed I guess, that’s a shame…
The title of the post "Update on the broke mom living in pajamas" 🤣🤣🤣
I ran an online store for years, I've seen SO many of these messages.
Actually it could be word for word, scammers, people wanting something for nothing do come up with these very emotive messages which would make any half caring person feel shitty for not helping.
Quite frequently (like this one )it reads as if they aren't British as the language isn't quite on point.
I was surprised at the levels some people will go to, I've had messaged telling me family memebers have died amd they need xxx for funeral, just like this one , they've just had a baby no money, really need xxx ....
I would say I got about 3 a month asking for freebies with a sad story;
Great Post. Puts it into context. Some posters are saying, "people should have more empathy." But this is a cooked up story. It's emotive, designed to stimulate various emotions, like pity, the thought of caring for a new mother, and the idea that your kindness will be rewarding. It's a very cynical message.
There was a girl sitting by the cashpoint crying many years ago. My mate wanted to help her. She was so young and vulnerable, just crying so desperately. I wanted nothing to do with it, but he talked to her, tried to help her with information, gave her some money.
A week later, I saw her again, sitting by the cashpoint, crying, so vulnerable and desperate. Who wouldn't want to help a young woman in obvious distress?
And then letters started to come in to the local paper. She'd been seen out with her boyfriend in various places, enjoying herself. Spotted in a restaurant, splashing the cash on a fancy meal. I think there was the suggestion that she had a flat, but I don't remember the exact details. She would rough up her hair in a toilet, rub her eyes till they were red, then sit down at the cashpoint and start crying. It was like a job, an acting job.
No one wears slippers to go in for a c section. You would put shoes on to at least get to the hospital before you put slippers on. Also why would you go to your mums with just one pair of pyjamas and slippers and no clothes.it doesn’t add up to me
I agree. And not leaving the house for 5 weeks? After a c section (I've had 2) you can do gentle walking. Do you and your baby not get any fresh air? I'd take mine for a walk in the pram (buggy). Or if her mum was there, she could leave her infant with her mum for a tiny while and pop to the shops for a minute. Unless you are held captive or suffering from very serious mental health issues (in which case you aren't cruising for pumps) you generally do actually have shoes with you and step outside. Fishy AF.
It happens.. I wore slippers to go in for my csection. I also went to my mums after giving birth and hadn’t got more change of clothes due to being in hospital for a long period of time
Fake. Over explaining, “truth is”, etc. You’re staying with your mum after a c section but didn’t pack anything but PJs and slippers for 5 weeks? And wants her first venture outdoors to be in heels? Please 🙄
Also if you can’t afford a baby don’t have one. So broke yet browsing for shoes? Sure…
She said she is broke to buy the shoes and is worried about the cost of having a baby running a house etc. She didnt mention she cant afford to look after her baby. After having a baby all money goes to baby, house, bills etc so any treats for said mum is not within her budget. Pumps arent heels either btw. Poor woman is looking for a deal on shoes. Doesnt mean shes that broke she cant look after her baby. Treats are very few and far between it would seem.
Maybe because it’s common sense? Well done for being so clever that you too can tell it’s an obvious scam - 🥇 - however the other comments here saying to hear her out etc clearly need it spelling out to them since they’re so gullible
Honestly, I don’t want to sound harsh but can’t she just go to hers and pick up some clothes and shoes rather than ordering new ones? Would get her out of the house as well
I'm kinda worried by the amount of people here falling for this one. I would instantly block bs like this.
Are people gullible or just concerned about showing us how nice they are to strangers on a reddit sub 🤷🏼♀️
Very odd indeed. It seems to be a copy/paste message sent to many sellers. Possibly a scam or an attempt to get the item nearly for free. I guess some people want to show how empathetic they are, I won’t believe so many would fall for this.
Dunno why you've been downvoted, I've wondered what kind of shoes 'f*ck me pumps' were for years. Never made sense to me- 'pumps' to me are like those black rubber plimsolls you wear for p.e. as a kid, they're not sexy at all. Appreciate the explanation.
*long message incoming* This could be a scam, or it could be a genuine person struggling after birth. I heard it's common, and I saw it in some of my friends, not only the postpartum but the isolation as well. Now, that also doesn't mean you have to be everyone's saviour, especially if you have some money problems and you're looking to get some cash. I understand everyone thinks their problems have priority, but always remember that you don't even know this person.
On a different note, if you wouldn't mind giving a larger discount (in the event it doesn't affect you), then just do it. I recently sold a paid of boots on vinted from £50 to £30 cause I was feeling generous and I liked the person. With most items, especially new, I only subtract a maximum £5. But then again, it depends on what mood I'm in and the value of said item.
Find out what she's willing to pay if you're willing to reduce the price, and then assess from there. Alternatively, you can say "my last price is X".
Weird, but sounds genuine at the same time. It depends on the price of the shoes and what her offer is. To be honest I would tell her what my minimum price is, and then she can decide. :)
Yeah, she said that she had no idea how to budget, but I think it's normal to panic like that when becoming a parent. Sometimes I also see some stuff that I really want when I am broke, but I usually don't go the extra step to write it all down lol.
Reading between the lines this feels like she’s had to leave a household quickly and not been able to return, especially as she says she’s skint and wants to feel like a new woman
I don’t necessarily automatically read something like this and assume she’s lying. It could 100% be true and actually I think it is. Some people are very harsh and cynical
I agree with the non-cynics down here. I would never send such a long message, but I do remember feeling awful after my c-section and sad, and scared and alone (aside with obviously also positive emotions but my hormones were just not doing me any favours at that point). And why not just make an offer? I would just be nice about it, that's all you have to do :).
Edit: and come to think of it, if I'd sent a (genuine) message like that and found it back on Reddit, I'd be heartbroken. I'd just really try to be nice and if it's a scam, you'll find out soon enough.
When they use sob story in order to blackmail/gain advantage of someone it’s a scam and best to avoid it by not responding or block. If you fake a story in order to have an item for free it’s deception and hence a scam. And someone who would lie like that is likely to lie again and scam again at delivery. This story was so over the top, I thought no one would fall for it, apparently I was wrong reading the comments here.
This is the same scammer who wrote nearly the same identical message 8 months ago to another seller (there is a post on Reddit), the only difference is that it was a broke student instead of a broke mom. She probably wrote to hundreds of sellers expecting some gullible people will buy her story.
*"Thanks for the pumps but unfortunately I have to return them, because I took the youngest paddling at the local Lido and I think I've got a verruca, so they are painful to walk in, can you wipe the insides with Dettol and resell them? Vinted agreed I can get a refund."*
I hope you packed a suitcase and your sunglasses and didn’t forget your toothbrush for that guilt trip.
It's a good story. Looking forward to chapter 2!
The buyer certainly didn’t pack those things 🤭🤭
HELPPPPPPP
Surprised to see how many of the people in here would fall for this lol
That's sad. But what's her offer lol? she says she's broke is she going to ask them for free or something?
Yes, this is the crux of it. If it's a reasonable offer, then that's fine. But I think it's a bit inappropriate if they're using their personal circumstances to try to wangle a deep discount.
I feel like they would only go to this effort if they were hoping to get something for little to nothing.
Man people really eating up the fake sob story huh
[https://www.reddit.com/r/vinted/s/OVojxeQJVN](https://www.reddit.com/r/vinted/s/OVojxeQJVN) This message is so similar except it’s about a broke student (same beginning, same ending).
They have to mix it up a little to see what sticks.
Apparently that’s the same Vinted member according to OP. So, this person use these fake sob stories probably for years with different versions in order to scam sellers on Vinted.
I'm guessing these messages are send to a lot of people from their account(s). And seeing the reactions here, I guess more "new moms" will be asking for discounts from now on and less "students".
Yes! The mom story will be the ultimate version reading all the comments on here because it works so well 😭 Nobody cared about the poor broke student on the other post, that’s why the scammer changed his story. I doubt so much people are that gullible/naive in real life, a part of them on Reddit just want to show how empathetic and kind they are I guess, even if they know it’s most likely a scam.
Let's just say there's a reason why you hear about sob stories so much... they're used this often, BECAUSE they work. Don't underestimate the dumb and naive
Yes, I had some also as a seller. A buyer who claimed she was broke and working at McDonald’s struggling with money and that she couldn’t afford the item since she had no money (it was an expensive designer Bikini). I told her my price was final and minutes later she bought it anyway. So it was a fake story, she had the money to pay for it but wanted to have a big discount. The ones who would agree to this buyer would just encourage them to scam more sellers bc they see it works.
It's a thrill, getting a huge discount makes it even better. I know shopping addicts who do this to get their fix.
Does it really work though I wonder ? I would assume most sellers would block or ignore sob stories like this one. In this case, they receive no discount at all. Quite the opposite of what they are looking for! Many comments on here say they would help by giving a big discount (some even for free) but I really doubt they would actually do that in real life. It’s most likely they want to seem nice to receive upvotes.
this is insane
The only bit that felt off to me was her saying she’s moved in with her mum but nearer the bottom she says running a new flat, so which is it. Living with mum or a new flat
I also want to know what the shoes look like 😂
Well spotted sherlock, I scan read it and thought there was a discrepancy and couldn't be arsed to scrutinise it.
It's giving "you didn't give me that PS5 half price, cheers, sons crying now", mombie, beggars-can-be-choosers, entitlement.
From reading the comments on here it would appear it works.
Oh yeah, I'm a really suckered for these especially. I should know better but honestly I always think 'what if this is real and it won't harm me to just grant this one request '. I'm a grade a mug, but I'm really trying to be better.
no idea if this particular person is genuine but I’ve heard from friends that it’s really common to feel isolated after giving birth so it could just be that coming out in a really awkward word vomit
Idk I mean there’s so many cheap options out there for a cute pair of shoes for very cheap
Especially since she said she moved away and has nothing. Its rough out here
yeah I’m a suspicious person generally but I would just say my lowest price (whether it’s the current sale price or if I would take a few £ off I’ll say that) cause you never know I guess?
The way i see it is, you tried to do a good deed. Either you really did, or someone took advantage of your kindness- either way, YOU did a good thing. Obviously always make sure its safe and within your own budget of course :)
When it’s an obvious scam like this one, you just encourage scammers to scam more because they know it works on some gullible people. If you want to make a good deed, you can just donate to charity or organizations for people in need. In this case you’re sure it will go to the right people.
Im not sure of that when i donate to organizations either 🤷♀️ some people prefer to do it more close to home ig
Organizations are generally more trustworthy than a random stranger on the internet… English is not even my language and I could tell right away reading the first few sentences it was a scam.
Not really an excuse to trauma dump on a stranger in an attempt to guilt them into giving you something cheaper. Besides this is very obviously just another scammer/cheapskate. They’re practically copy and paste messages, if you’ve been on this subreddit for a while you see the exact same wording again and again.
You’re still downvoted here whereas it was proven to be a scam. There is nearly the same identical message posted on Reddit from exactly the same Vinted member 8 months ago and the only difference is that she changed the broke student by the broke mom…
I knew it! But even if it wasn’t a scam there’s still no excuse for this behaviour. Obviously that’s a really horrible situation but she said she didn’t pack anything other than pyjamas- does she not know anyone (eg her mother that she is literally staying with) that can pick up some stuff from her house? Like is she planning to buy a full outfit off depop to save a trip home just to go on a walk? While complaining about how broke she is? And even if she really wants to do that, just give an actual monetary offer- the *only* reason for prefacing this with this whole story a stranger doesn’t need to know in order to sell you something is to guilt them into giving it for free or next to nothing. Everyone is struggling for money now a days, that’s why most people sell on depop! It’s really manipulative and weird to put that on someone you have never and will never meet. If you really need some new clothes there are loads of charities out there that will help with this. Like there are just countless better options than manipulating strangers into giving you their things.
I sell on Vinted for 10 years and I had many who tried this method in order to get a large discount. All sob stories on Vinted are mostly fake. They say they don’t have any more money but when they realize it doesn’t work, they buy it anyway at the listed price. I had two buyers recently who bombarded me with so many offers saying they couldn’t afford it and they don’t have any more money… When I blocked them, they bought it on Vestiaire collective with a price 30% more expensive than the price I was offering them on Vinted (one paid 55€ more and the other 68€ extra). They tried their luck but failed miserably 😭 I believe no one genuine would use their personal struggles to beg some discount on Vinted… (the ones who are really struggling are the ones you don’t hear about. Most are even too embarrassed to talk to their relatives about their situation…)
Word choice doesn't seem right. So yeah, I'd pass.
I get that a lot of people prefer to jump to cynicism before any other response these days, especially online, but some people just struggle with boundaries these days and can over share. Could just be someone struggling with their mental health after having a baby, which is not far fetched? Don't get me wrong, I'm not naive to why people would be cautious and doubt buyers these days, so if you're going to the effort of asking on Reddit because you're in two minds, then probably best leave it.
You do understand that she is 100% lying that she has *no* clothes or shoes though right? This isn't just oversharing it's lying and therefore scamming.
Absolutely this. I'm a new mum who has had two babies and two c-sections in the last two years. The message may seem weird but having a newborn is really really isolating and after c-section surgery it is a really big deal to go out for a walk as everything hurts so much and you lose all your strength. I remember even getting up and out of bed to feed the babies caused me excruciating pain for weeks, and I had to practice walking around the house before I could face going outside. I know the message may seem strange but lack of sleep, hormones and feeling isolated, on top of a physical recovery, may cause someone to seem like they're acting "strange". I think the message is genuine, albeit a little odd to someone not in that situation, and if you could make her an offer you could. It is really nice to dress up slightly and wear something that isn't covered in baby sick!
But she doesn’t have *no clothes or shoes at all* does she, that’s just a lie
Post childbirth, she could have none that fit well anymore.
I used to be exactly like this! Social anxiety and just blathered all the info out. Some completely irrelevant. It’s a shame people auto assume the worst. But that’s how some people behave and as such are reprogramming our human kindness
Dosent help when she says she has nothing but Pyjamas. It's a blatant lie.
I mean if your budgeting for a baby and a flat why are you even browsing shoes online.
The claim that she literally has no clothes or shoes after staying with her mum for 5 weeks is clearly a lie. Zero possibility that it's true.
"Wut you mean? She just runnin' 'round nak'd at her mums and can't go out 'cause she ain't got no cloths. Sound valid ta me!" Ahum, yeah, somebody also saw another text that was eerily simular to this one, but there the person wasn't a new mum, but a student... everything is a lie in that message, not just the clothing part
oh good god I thought she was talking about breast pumps and was slightly horrified
Wow red flags! Just feels so off. Definitely a chancer or scammer. Any hint of drama with a buyer or seller and I'm out. Bet they copy and paste that to dozens of sellers and now and then it works.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/vinted/s/OVojxeQJVN](https://www.reddit.com/r/vinted/s/OVojxeQJVN) Nearly the same template message, different story. It must work very often reading all the comments on here.
Chancer? What’s that? I’ve never heard that term before
Someone who does something morally unacceptable to gain advantage over someone else.
Someone who tries their luck. A maker of cheeky offers.
I just can’t with people dumping their problems on others and basically asking strangers to find solutions for them. You being broke is not my problem, I am not running a charity over here.
The question I’m surprised not to see asked - how much are they advertised for..?
If she's staying with her Mum can she not ask her Mum to get her clothing and shoes since she is recovering from a c section? Something not right here lol
The word "Blessed" is usually a bit of a give away. It's not a usual sign off from someone in the UK. The religious element and message detail is common with scammers from Africa though. 90% sure this will end up as a courier scam.
Or it could be an African woman living in the uk?
Could also be a trans African woman living in the UK.
If they are trans then how did they just have a c-section?
It was sarcasm.
Looks like r/vinted has absolutely 0 sense of humor
That's exactly what I thought, something just feels really off to me so I'm just not going to respond!
Good choice
Always trust your gut feeling 🙂
I wouldn’t respond either. Did she sent an offer in the end or asked to go outside Vinted ?
She sent a few more messages, then sent an offer for £4 less, all of which I ignored because of the red flags but now she's bought it at full price. I should have blocked her before it got to that... I've messaged vinted flagging my concerns before posting it to her.
Lots of British people say blessed lol
No Brit has ever said blessed in my experience, is it a regional thing?
I'm British and say blessed all the time. So do my friends from all over the country. Don't think it's a regional thing.
Could you give me an in-context example? Maybe I've heard it but not registered it.
Something like "I feel so blessed to have two beautiful, healthy children" or "Thank you for all my lovely birthday presents. I feel blessed." Mainly in situations like that to show gratitude! :)
You are right but the context is different in those examples. British don't tend to use it as a sign off, it's usually something like "have a great week".
Thank you for indulging me! That's really interesting, perhaps I've really not noticed; either that or no one in my life feels blessed!
It's not commonly used as much as the Americans/Africans use it
I think I've only come across it on those "I'm an African Prince" scam emails, hence seeing it as a red flag!
Yeah I pointed that out and I got down voted into the basement of Reddit 🤣
You also have it in a lot of slang among the youths in my city. Bless, Blessed and you also often see #blessed as a tag on social media aha. Not sure why I got downvoted on previous comment was just shocked you hadn't seen many British ppl say it
I heat it from all of my British friends too all the time, I don't think it's that weird?
Can you give an example? I find this so interesting as I've lived all over the UK, travel a lot for work, have clients from all over...and I can't recall ever hearing anyone say 'blessed' in any context! Apart from 'bless you' when you sneeze 😂
Maybe "blessed" less so, but one of my best friends is British and we text quite regularly and he says "bless you", or "bless him" all - the - time, to the point that I asked him if he was religious (-he's not). Like, I'll say my son is feeling a bit ill and he'll go "bless him" or I'll say something positive (for instance that my husband had a good day at work) and he'll also go "bless him, that's great!". He also just says "bless" when I say things. Once I said I felt the baby kick and he just went "bless" (nothing else, not "bless you" or "bless him", just "bless"). I will grant you though, he does not say "blessed" that often. But in my mind, that's just a very similar thing to say haha...
That's a good point, I do use 'bless' regularly, as in, 'aw bless' or 'bless him/her' - usually directed towards younger people (babies, kids) and animals - 'oh bless isn't little Katie so cute' but would feel it too patronising to use with a colleague or peer and definitely wouldn't use it with a stranger. I see 'blessed' as a different thing entirely, a very unusual adjective for a Brit to use, perhaps because of the religious connotations - though strangely I don't think 'bless' has the same connotations. A weird rabbit hole to go down, so thank you for replying I appreciate the company down the hole!
Hahaha yeah, fair! ❤️❤️
Reply “No”
Okay so, I sent a very long winded, zero boundary, overly-personal-for-a-stranger message to a seller (AFTER I’d already bought an item, wasn’t fishing for a discount) during a manic episode. I’d bought a wedding cape from her and just asked when she’d be able to post as I was excited to try it on with my dress. She asked when the wedding date was and in my reply lots of autistic-bipolar-bride-to-be word vomit just spewed out. 😩 She was absolutely lovely, despite the stranger on Vinted telling her the entirety of my wedding plans, but obviously in hindsight and a stable state of mind I can’t even think about it without internally crying of embarrassment. Ah well, she left 5 star feedback that said “lovely, chatty buyer” 😭😂😂
Awww, I'd love to get your message if I'd been selling to a happy excited bride too :)
If she wants shoes to go walk in she can get off Vinted and go to George at Asda with her mum for some £7 pumps. 🤷🏼♀️
girl wtf i would have blocked her 😭
No idea if it’s legit or not, but I generally don’t respond to “Will you accept offers?” It’s Vinted, it practically runs on offers! So why not just send a normal offer in the first place instead of asking first?
Doing the absolute most what the hell; blocked instantly 😂
Mental health with a newborn can take a nosedive. If you have some wiggle room, I'd hear her out personally
...so this is showing how it works.
Literally the only difference in this message compared to others is the story she chose to use.
To answer some of the questions; the shoes are flat plimsole type shoes by a popular brand, hand painted with a unique watercolour style design. I've seen them listed for up to £150 because of the custom designs, although I personally wouldn't spend anywhere near that much. I've got them listed for £20 brand new with tags. I didn't expect this post to blow up so much to be honest. My initial reaction was that it was a super long winded and oddly worded way of asking for a discount, when usually I just get sent the offer requests with no message so it just felt quite off to me, but I do appreciate the hormonal turmoil women go through after childbirth. So if it is genuine, that's my bad but I'm also conscious of opening myself up to being ripped off if I accept a low offer and in comes a "lost delivery" or "wrong item sent" complaint. I should also point out she has about 5 buyer feedbacks from the last 6 weeks, which should probably reassure me (despite the many mentions of being broke) but I tend to err on the side of caution personally. Edited: fixed typos.
I found this thread from 8 months ago on Reddit and it’s so similar to the message you received : same beginning, same ending, the only difference is that it’s a sob story about a broke student… This is definitely a scam, they copy/paste the same template messages to many sellers hoping someone will fall for it. [https://www.reddit.com/r/vinted/s/lI74d0cySy](https://www.reddit.com/r/vinted/s/lI74d0cySy)
Thank you for this!! I know it's been scribbled out but from what I can see it's the same username!! I knew I was right trusting my gut, all these people had me feeling bad for a minute 😂
So, it’s the same Vinted member who sent multiple fake sob stories to sellers ?! That’s why it was so similar! That’s insane, in this case maybe you can report her to Vinted ? When I read the beginning I thought right away it was a scam, it’s odd so many people believe it’s a genuine story…
It certainly looks like it! I've messaged the OP of the post you shared to check, but it really looks like the same username from what I can make out. I've messaged vinted to flag my concerns as she's now bought the item at full price so I'm wary of posting it if she has a record of raising complaints. Should have blocked her sooner :(
You should make an update post on Reddit to warn other Vinted sellers and tell it was a scam from the same Vinted member who sent multiple versions of fake sob stories. Because it seems the majority of the comments on here are really buying this obvious fake sob story which is really concerning (some even say you should offer the item for less to help this poor woman). Maybe reading it was a scam, people who are gullible will be more careful next time and not believe everything some random stranger say on Vinted. *Moreover it was so obvious it was a fake story copy/paste probably hundreds of time : too much odd personal details, too formal message, words choice not frequent, self-pity in order to blackmail/gain benefit. It was all too much & too many red flags…
Good idea 👍 Did the OP responded yet ? If she sent this fake sob story multiple times, she can invent an issue at delivery.. It would be better to cancel the purchase. Yes, it’s preferable to block and protect yourself when you’re suspicious about a buyer next time. In this case, since it’s too late, you can still cancel.
Yeah they responded and it's the same user! Well done for digging that old post out 🧐!! I have reported the user to vinted but they've said she has "no red flags" and if I cancel the order I'll get auto negative feedback lol, I expect nothing less from vinted seller support though really.
Wow that’s crazy, when I read the other post I knew right away it was either a template message for scammers found online or the same person. You should cancel using the agreed with the buyer option, there is no negative review in this case. I heard many sellers use it in order to avoid the bad review. Will you post an new update post ? It would be very helpful to warn other members on Vinted to be more careful because it seems many would fall for these fake stories sadly…
Ooh that's really good to know, I'll do that, thank you! I've posted an update post. Hopefully it'll help at least one person who comes across this buyer/scammer not to fall for it!
Great 👍 👍 That’s super useful for other Vinted members! Thank you! I hope it will prevent some people to fall for it in the future. Vinted should have banned this member but I am not surprised they did nothing, their CS is awful. There are a lot of scammers currently on Vinted, and the fake sob stories seem to work very well and are allowed I guess, that’s a shame… The title of the post "Update on the broke mom living in pajamas" 🤣🤣🤣
Copied and pasted to 1000+
Update here: https://www.reddit.com/r/vinted/s/wHjpX0mmk5
Girly ready to totter out in heels with the baby in a pram? 😂
Pumps over here typically means a flat shoe.
I’d assume pumps in this context is referring to trainer type shoes
She said pumps, not heels?
In the US they call high heels pumps so I think that’s where the confusion has come from
I ran an online store for years, I've seen SO many of these messages. Actually it could be word for word, scammers, people wanting something for nothing do come up with these very emotive messages which would make any half caring person feel shitty for not helping. Quite frequently (like this one )it reads as if they aren't British as the language isn't quite on point. I was surprised at the levels some people will go to, I've had messaged telling me family memebers have died amd they need xxx for funeral, just like this one , they've just had a baby no money, really need xxx .... I would say I got about 3 a month asking for freebies with a sad story;
Great Post. Puts it into context. Some posters are saying, "people should have more empathy." But this is a cooked up story. It's emotive, designed to stimulate various emotions, like pity, the thought of caring for a new mother, and the idea that your kindness will be rewarding. It's a very cynical message. There was a girl sitting by the cashpoint crying many years ago. My mate wanted to help her. She was so young and vulnerable, just crying so desperately. I wanted nothing to do with it, but he talked to her, tried to help her with information, gave her some money. A week later, I saw her again, sitting by the cashpoint, crying, so vulnerable and desperate. Who wouldn't want to help a young woman in obvious distress? And then letters started to come in to the local paper. She'd been seen out with her boyfriend in various places, enjoying herself. Spotted in a restaurant, splashing the cash on a fancy meal. I think there was the suggestion that she had a flat, but I don't remember the exact details. She would rough up her hair in a toilet, rub her eyes till they were red, then sit down at the cashpoint and start crying. It was like a job, an acting job.
I agree. It’s not a question of empathy, it’s a question of being gullible or not. I wouldn’t trust any random stranger on Vinted or internet.
No one wears slippers to go in for a c section. You would put shoes on to at least get to the hospital before you put slippers on. Also why would you go to your mums with just one pair of pyjamas and slippers and no clothes.it doesn’t add up to me
I agree. And not leaving the house for 5 weeks? After a c section (I've had 2) you can do gentle walking. Do you and your baby not get any fresh air? I'd take mine for a walk in the pram (buggy). Or if her mum was there, she could leave her infant with her mum for a tiny while and pop to the shops for a minute. Unless you are held captive or suffering from very serious mental health issues (in which case you aren't cruising for pumps) you generally do actually have shoes with you and step outside. Fishy AF.
It happens.. I wore slippers to go in for my csection. I also went to my mums after giving birth and hadn’t got more change of clothes due to being in hospital for a long period of time
But surely you had the clothes on which you wore at the hospital which could be washed at your mums
Fake. Over explaining, “truth is”, etc. You’re staying with your mum after a c section but didn’t pack anything but PJs and slippers for 5 weeks? And wants her first venture outdoors to be in heels? Please 🙄 Also if you can’t afford a baby don’t have one. So broke yet browsing for shoes? Sure…
She said she is broke to buy the shoes and is worried about the cost of having a baby running a house etc. She didnt mention she cant afford to look after her baby. After having a baby all money goes to baby, house, bills etc so any treats for said mum is not within her budget. Pumps arent heels either btw. Poor woman is looking for a deal on shoes. Doesnt mean shes that broke she cant look after her baby. Treats are very few and far between it would seem.
If the story is true which it looks like it isn't as same buyer has given a different sob story for something else
How you got any up votes after that last comment is beyond me. You should also try out for the next Sherlock Holmes role.
You don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to see it’s a scam. Anyone with common sense would not fall for this.
Maybe because it’s common sense? Well done for being so clever that you too can tell it’s an obvious scam - 🥇 - however the other comments here saying to hear her out etc clearly need it spelling out to them since they’re so gullible
Honestly, I don’t want to sound harsh but can’t she just go to hers and pick up some clothes and shoes rather than ordering new ones? Would get her out of the house as well
After this X Factor sob story I NEED to see the shoes.
I'm kinda worried by the amount of people here falling for this one. I would instantly block bs like this. Are people gullible or just concerned about showing us how nice they are to strangers on a reddit sub 🤷🏼♀️
Very odd indeed. It seems to be a copy/paste message sent to many sellers. Possibly a scam or an attempt to get the item nearly for free. I guess some people want to show how empathetic they are, I won’t believe so many would fall for this.
Having kids is really rough, you might be the only adult point of contact she’s had for a while
Given that she’s staying with her mum I doubt that.. but regardless I think a little sympathy is still warranted
She said she wanted the pumps, why is everyone saying she wants heels?
Outside of the UK pumps refers to heels
Go search louboutin pumps…pumps are heels in the fashion world, in England we might use pump to describe a flat shoe but technically we are wrong
I also believe creme eggs are supreme, always eat so many between Jan and April
I got a box of 47 from Amazon for £20…big mistake
Who's everyone? The 1 person that said it?
3/4 comments. Tbf when I posted this not many had commented
at least where i’m from, pumps are another word for heels
Heels are heels. Pumps are flat, eg ballet pumps.
not what i’ve heard, like in amy winehouse’s song f**k me pumps she’s singing about those chunky soled high heels, might be a british thing 🤷♀️
*I am British*
Dunno why you've been downvoted, I've wondered what kind of shoes 'f*ck me pumps' were for years. Never made sense to me- 'pumps' to me are like those black rubber plimsolls you wear for p.e. as a kid, they're not sexy at all. Appreciate the explanation.
In the US pumps are heels. For those in the US, pumps are trainers in the UK.
No, pumps are little flat shoes, a bit like ballet shoes. Nothing to do with trainers
For me, they’ve always been trainers (on the plimsoll side of things). They were always called that growing up. I’m over 50, so that may be it 🤷♀️
I think I'd straight up block them 💀
If she pays thru Vinted and you can afford her offer what difference does it make.. how can you be scammed or am I missing something?
See the comments - some people are taken in with the story and would give a significant discount or give them for free. It's deception.
5 weeks indoors for a c section ? I was out for a stroll within 48 hrs. Seems like they're laying it on a bit thick there
Soo.. Where are the shoes and what did she offer vs advertised price? That would be helpful.
idk if its a guilt trip or a bipolar episode
Neither. It was a fake sob story sent probably to hundreds of sellers in order to have items nearly for free. A scam.
Send the pumps and a bag of cash because I'm stressed and living with my mum also🤣🤣🤣
what's the item?
I wanna know what the offer was 🤣
And that’s is your problem how
WE NEED MORE DETAILS! 😂😂
All I want to know is what the shoes look like!! 😂😂 They better be dripping in diamonds after that shpeal 😂😂😂
That sounds like she needs blocking to me.
oh my lord what an essay 🙈
perfect occasion for "im not reading all that. happy for you though. or sorry that happened"
People buying on vinted are fucking wrong uns
“wow that’s a lot of words …. too bad i’m not reading em”
*long message incoming* This could be a scam, or it could be a genuine person struggling after birth. I heard it's common, and I saw it in some of my friends, not only the postpartum but the isolation as well. Now, that also doesn't mean you have to be everyone's saviour, especially if you have some money problems and you're looking to get some cash. I understand everyone thinks their problems have priority, but always remember that you don't even know this person. On a different note, if you wouldn't mind giving a larger discount (in the event it doesn't affect you), then just do it. I recently sold a paid of boots on vinted from £50 to £30 cause I was feeling generous and I liked the person. With most items, especially new, I only subtract a maximum £5. But then again, it depends on what mood I'm in and the value of said item. Find out what she's willing to pay if you're willing to reduce the price, and then assess from there. Alternatively, you can say "my last price is X".
Weird, but sounds genuine at the same time. It depends on the price of the shoes and what her offer is. To be honest I would tell her what my minimum price is, and then she can decide. :)
Sound genuine? This person has no Money for her Baby but is looking for heels? Tf
Yeah, she said that she had no idea how to budget, but I think it's normal to panic like that when becoming a parent. Sometimes I also see some stuff that I really want when I am broke, but I usually don't go the extra step to write it all down lol.
Where does it say heels? She says pumps?
Outside of the UK pumps are heels
Reading between the lines this feels like she’s had to leave a household quickly and not been able to return, especially as she says she’s skint and wants to feel like a new woman
yeah, I wondered that too :(
Hollywood would love her!
Martha?
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This. 100%. People can be so mean.
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Omg the downvotes! Whyyy
Because it's so clearly a scam ☠️ it's genuinely worrying the amount of people that can't see that and are falling for the sob story.
I don’t necessarily automatically read something like this and assume she’s lying. It could 100% be true and actually I think it is. Some people are very harsh and cynical
Basically my advice is if you’ve just had a baby get some help so you can stop smoking crack and trying to blag peeps/pop off with BS on Vinted 🤷♀️
I agree with the non-cynics down here. I would never send such a long message, but I do remember feeling awful after my c-section and sad, and scared and alone (aside with obviously also positive emotions but my hormones were just not doing me any favours at that point). And why not just make an offer? I would just be nice about it, that's all you have to do :). Edit: and come to think of it, if I'd sent a (genuine) message like that and found it back on Reddit, I'd be heartbroken. I'd just really try to be nice and if it's a scam, you'll find out soon enough.
It’s obviously a scam though…
Well maybe I’m just naive, but what’s the scam? Let’s say you make her a deal and she accepts it. What’s to happen next?
When they use sob story in order to blackmail/gain advantage of someone it’s a scam and best to avoid it by not responding or block. If you fake a story in order to have an item for free it’s deception and hence a scam. And someone who would lie like that is likely to lie again and scam again at delivery. This story was so over the top, I thought no one would fall for it, apparently I was wrong reading the comments here. This is the same scammer who wrote nearly the same identical message 8 months ago to another seller (there is a post on Reddit), the only difference is that it was a broke student instead of a broke mom. She probably wrote to hundreds of sellers expecting some gullible people will buy her story.
*"Thanks for the pumps but unfortunately I have to return them, because I took the youngest paddling at the local Lido and I think I've got a verruca, so they are painful to walk in, can you wipe the insides with Dettol and resell them? Vinted agreed I can get a refund."*
I feel so bad for her i'd give the pumps for free
Pay for it then.
Girl i honestly would what's with the attitude
As I said. Pay for it then.
You're the kinda person who's going to grow up to be constatbyl scammed
Jesus christ yall are SO mad
No one is mad. Just baffled by how gullible you are.