AI Generated Images Fuel New Wave Of Online Scams

A Seller's Nightmare The Vinted AI Scam

When Mike Winnet sold a new Lacoste hoodie and shorts set for £70 on the resale app Vinted, he assumed it was just another routine transaction. He soon discovered he was the target of a sophisticated new scam powered by AI.

The buyer filed a claim that the item was damaged, providing a single, close-up photo of what appeared to be a hole in the fabric. However, Winnet was certain the image was not of his clothing. "It looks AI-generated, and my item was in perfect condition," he stated. "The material looked off and the photo looked fake. But Vinted refunded the buyer instantly, without asking for more proof, and they didn’t make him return the goods."

Following the refund, the buyer blocked Winnet and deleted his account. "Now he has a brand new Lacoste co-ord and his money back," Winnet said. "It’s theft — and Vinted’s processes are allowing it to happen." After a month of communication with Vinted yielded no results, the company issued him a refund only after being contacted by the press. Winnet's story, shared on LinkedIn, garnered nearly 700 comments from others who had faced similar situations.

How The AI Refund Fraud Works

This fraudulent scheme relies on creating fake images of clothing damage—such as tears, stains, or holes—that are convincing enough to pass Vinted's buyer-protection reviews. Sellers report that the platform frequently sides with buyers, issuing refunds based on a single photo and allowing them to keep the item.

Consumer campaigner Martyn James noted, "Well over half the complaints I hear about Vinted come from sellers who feel that some unscrupulous customers and fraudsters are gaming the system to get refunds." He argues that refunds should not be processed until items are returned, and sellers should always have the chance to provide their own evidence, like pre-sale photos.

A Widespread Problem Across The Sharing Economy

This issue is not confined to fashion resale apps. A similar case was reported involving an Airbnb host in New York who accused a guest of causing over £12,000 in damages. The host submitted photos that the guest claimed were digitally manipulated, pointing out inconsistencies in the images. Despite the guest's appeals, Airbnb initially ordered her to pay over £5,000. It was only after media intervention that the platform reversed its decision, refunded her stay, and removed the host's negative review. You can read more about how other platforms like Amazon have been targeted by scammers.

James warns that such scams are becoming systemic across the sharing economy. "Fraud is everywhere at the moment and online platforms are particularly vulnerable," he said. "Platforms are obliged to run proper dispute resolution schemes and consider evidence from both sides — but too often, the safeguards simply aren’t there."

Why Resale Platforms Leave Sellers Vulnerable

The convenience and speed that make resale platforms appealing are the very features that can expose sellers to risk. Unlike eBay, which typically requires a return before a refund is issued, Vinted's process can close a claim without the seller ever recovering their merchandise. "This is really unfair and potentially breaching the law," James explained. "The rules are clear: if goods are genuinely damaged, buyers should return them. They shouldn’t get to keep them."

While a £70 loss is significant for a casual seller, some have lost thousands on high-value items like designer handbags and trainers. For more information, here is a guide on how not to get scammed.

The Call For Stronger Security Measures

Experts and victims are calling for platforms to implement more robust security. James emphasized the need for better identity verification, as scammers can easily create multiple accounts. Winnet suggested requiring proof of identity, such as a passport or driving licence, and demanding video evidence of damage instead of relying on single photos.

In response, Vinted stated, "We have a range of tools to monitor suspicious behaviour, whether or not it involves AI... We are also closely monitoring the evolving use of AI among our members to ensure it remains consistent with the platform’s usage guidelines."

Similarly, Airbnb commented on its own case, saying, "We invest in teams and technology to help protect users from fraudulent reimbursement requests. This includes continuously developing its technology and creating a specialist team that thoroughly reviews and investigates claims."