How to NOT get Scammed: What I Learned the Hard Way Selling a Dress on Poshmark

Let me tell you what we’re not about to do in 2025—get played out here in these digital streets.

Recently, I listed a dress for sale on Poshmark. A simple, stylish hustle, right? Until this transaction took a sharp left turn into sketchville. I’m sharing this as a warning and a checklist for anybody who’s active on resale apps, especially if you’re not used to app-based banking or fast-money platforms like CashApp, Zelle, or PayPal.

The Setup

A buyer (let’s call her “Jasmine”) didn’t reach out directly. Instead, her husband slid into my inbox saying she was interested but at work and to message her on WhatsApp.
This was already fishy. If you're buying something on a legit platform, why would the convo move off the platform?

Red Flag #1 – Moving Off-Platform

Anytime someone wants you to switch platforms to complete the deal—don’t do it. Scammers love moving away from regulated spaces like Poshmark because they can manipulate you without being tracked or flagged.

Red Flag #2 – Pressure Tactics

This buyer and her “customer care rep,” who introduced herself as Nadia Cruz, were way too pushy. They made me feel like I was wrong for not having Cash App, Zelle, or PayPal, trying to guilt-trip me into downloading one immediately. Nope.

I told them I didn’t use unsecured banking apps, and they kept pushing. Classic scammer behavior: rush and confuse you.

Red Flag #3 – Gift Card Payment

Girl. They actually tried to send me a video tutorial on how to complete the payment… via Apple gift card.

Let me repeat that. They wanted me to buy a gift card and send them the code to process a dress purchase.

Nadia claimed she was with Poshmark support, but her video had background music that sounded like stock music from a random YouTube ad, and the instructions included symbols that looked like they were in an Asian language—nothing to do with Poshmark.

The final straw? They got extra persistent when I claimed I was having banking issues. That’s when I knew I had to block them and report it.

What I Learned:

Never leave the app to complete a transaction. Stay on the official platform.
Gift cards are NEVER a form of real payment. If someone asks for them, it’s a scam.
Pushiness = a problem. Real buyers and real platforms don’t force you to act fast or make you feel bad for asking questions.
Real customer service doesn’t show up in your DMs via WhatsApp. Ever.
Know how your platform works. On Poshmark, the buyer pays upfront, a label is sent, and you ship the item. Once the buyer confirms delivery, you get paid to your Poshmark balance—then you can transfer it to your bank (not a gift card, not an app).

The Bigger Picture

It’s heartbreaking how many people are preyed upon, especially if you’re not familiar with all the new online payment methods. Scammers target the people who still appreciate structure, receipts, and secure banking. People like me. People like you.

And honestly? It makes doing business online scary—but I refuse to stop hustling. I just have to move smarter.

So if you’ve been scammed, almost scammed, or just feeling overwhelmed by all the ways you can get caught up out here, know this:Ask questions. Take your time. And don’t be afraid to say no.

You’re not alone.