Scammers may use emails, text messages, or in-app DMs to trick you into giving them your personal or financial information. They may try to access your passwords, account numbers, Social Security number, or ask you to send money.
While Whatnot’s Trust & Safety team actively works to prevent scams, it’s important to recognize suspicious behavior so you can protect yourself.
If you receive a suspicious message:
Do not click any links or share personal or financial information
Report scam emails as spam and delete them
Report suspicious accounts or messages on Whatnot directly
Contact Support if you’re unsure
Below are common scam types and how to identify them.
Scammers impersonating Whatnot
Scammers may pretend to be Whatnot employees over email or direct message.
What to know
All Whatnot emails come from the @whatnot.com domain
Whatnot will never ask for payment details over email
Whatnot will never ask you to send prepaid cards or “activate” payouts
Tip: Whatnot-affiliated email addresses include sellersupport@whatnot.com, trustandsafety@whatnot.com, and [employee name]@whatnot.com.
Examples
Example of a scam email:
"Your account has been restricted. Please contact us at supports.whatnot@onmail.com to restore access."
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Why this is a scam:
The email address does not end in
@whatnot.com
Example of a scam message:
"Your payment was declined. To receive your payment, you must activate instant payout by emailing us your details."
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Why this is a scam:
Whatnot does not require email verification for payouts
Whatnot will never ask for payment details over email
Example of a scam message:
"To complete your transaction, please reply with your card details or send a prepaid gift card.”
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Why this is a scam:
Whatnot will never request payment details or gift cards via email or DM
Scammers relaying false instructions from “Whatnot”
A scammer may pose as a buyer and claim that Whatnot told them you need to take action on your account.
What to know
Whatnot will always communicate with you directly, not through another user
You should never share account or payment details with another user
Example
Example of a scam message:
“Whatnot told me your payout settings need to be updated. Send me your info and I’ll help you fix it.”
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Why this is a scam:
Whatnot does not send messages through other users
Requests for account or payment information are not legitimate
Romance or relationship scams
Scammers may build a relationship over time, then ask for money or personal information.
What to know
These scams often develop over days, weeks, or longer
Requests for money, loans, or financial help are a red flag
Example
Example of a scam message:
“I really trust you and didn’t know who else to ask… could you help me out with a small loan? I’ll pay you back soon.”
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Why this is a scam:
Requests for money after building trust are a common scam tactic
Giveaway scams
Scammers may claim you’ve won a free item, then ask you to pay fees to receive it.
What to know
Legitimate giveaways do not require payment via DM
Be cautious of requests for shipping, customs, or processing fees
Example
Example of a scam message:
"You’ve won a free item! Just send $15 for shipping to claim your prize.”
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Why this is a scam:
You should not have to pay upfront fees through DM for a giveaway
Impersonating buyers in livestreams
A scammer may impersonate a real buyer after they leave a livestream by copying their username or profile.
What to know
Always confirm you are interacting with and shipping to the original buyer
Never open sealed items or change an order based on a chat message or DM request
All transactions must happen through Whatnot live show or marketplace only, not via DMs or a third-party