Is this a police job? Threatened by Vinted seller

[Reasonswhy]

I know I’m not, but posting for traffic as no idea what to do.
Item for Christmas arrived today and was clearly fake so applied for a refund via Vinted. I’ve had a series of threatening messages from the seller saying he needs the money, and he has my address so will come and find me. He included a photo of himself holding an air rifle. I’m not easily spooked but feel really scared now as he does have my address and seems very angry. I’ve filed a “help” through Vinted but they may not even read it for 48 hours. Do I call 111? On my own with 2 kids so feel really on edge.

And they can tell from a picture? My thought is a lazy …
I would not be happy with what appears to be a glib response. There’s a former police officer has already posted on this thread. I’d be interested in her view

OP it is 999 worthy. It’s malicious communication, which is against the law. And it’s a direct threat - he’s sent photos of himself holding a rifle and has said he knows where you live and will come and find you. Report it now.

I'd call 999 actually.

Agree - it is lazy. Had they said they'd checked out the individual that would be different. Just because someone uses a fake photo (which lots of posters on here had identified) doesn't mean that the person isn't a threat.

Thats awful. I bet they do it a lot. In the hopes that people dont push for a refund .

Oh ffs, it doesn’t matter if it’s a real gun or not, the fact that he’s threatened you with a realistic looking gun is a crime in itself!

i suppose it’s helpful in that it’s a bit of a relief, but it’s a threat nonetheless and will be terrifying for you regardless

can you stay somewhere else for a bit?

Sorry, wrong thread.

In future send parcels to a pick up point. It’s awful we have to protect ourselves this way but the world is what it is. He’s a &@“ lunatic. Also if posting via Royal Mail ensure to remove your sender address. I’m so sorry for the intimidation this asshole is causing you.

It's a stolen picture, a poster earlier found it online in other places. I don't think OP is in any actual danger but I don't blame her for being scared, I would be too. This bag of shit threatened her kids.

It's a clear threat to kill from someone who has her address. It may not be likely to be genuine (I'll place money on this guy being 5'6" and nine stone soaking wet, folding like a wet blanket) but it's a serious crime. I can't believe they're not going to take swift action on this. Well, I can, but it's outrageous.

THIS ABOVE - also ex Police please report OP

Something similar happened years ago to a friend, but on ebay. Said he was coming to kill her and her kids. It did indeed turn out to be a smelly teenager in his bedroom, hundreds of miles away. Very scary though when it was happening.

Really sorry this happened to you . 1000% call the cops and I sincerely hope they take it bloody serious . It is shocking what he’s put and the photograph .

@Reasonswhy OP, please do not hesitate to get this asshole and his supposed tough guy "black friends" put behind bars.

Try to stay calm, he is likely all threats and does not intend to do anything. However you must call the police. They will take this very seriously . This is not acceptable from him and is a crime.

Op please listen to these posters! Hope you are ok.

I definitely recall seeing this photo (or one very similar), sent to another Vinted buyer/seller after they asked for a refund. It was also sent with the threats. Not that my comment helps in anyway, but it definitely sounds like it is a well known ploy by some users, unfortunately (just as the police mentioned).

I’m sorry you had to experience that.

She's updated

It's pretty depressing that the police have fobbed you off.

Sorry you have had to deal with this - I would call 999 and have to stay at another house if this is an option? I bet it is a smelly teenager however is it worth the risk with what goes on these days ?

Never heard of this make but I'm addicted to Vinted so just checked it out. There's quite a few Essentials items listed with random pence in the price, the sellers are all different, no reviews and either 1 or 2 listings, but the wording on the posts are all worded the same. It sounds like1 person making numerous accounts, he'll sell 1 item and then if he gets away with it (buyer not realising its fake or leaving it too late to raise a dispute) he will then close that account and make another.
All vinted will do is refund you and you keep the item and block his account, always check their reviews/listings before you buy.
I wouldn't lose any sleep over Little Mr noballs 🤬

Jfc! The man’s unhinged. Defo call the police. Use 999 if necessary, tell them you feel threatened and that he has made mention of your children. This is completely unacceptable behaviour so even if he is “joking” you are showing that this is neither normal nor rational to anyone sane and it is not behaviour you’re willing to put up with. What’s wrong with him?!?!

It is frightening, and just because those in the know realise it's not a serious threat doesn't make it any less frightening for those who don't.

I think the police should take this seriously. Frightening people so that you get to keep money you've scammed off them must be an offence of some sort.

I’m surprised the police don’t seem all that interested

I feel so bad for you. so disturbing.

Me as well -
They'll visit next week?
What about doing background checks etc on this so called "seller" and pay him a visit to either charge him with something (malicious comms?) Or at least have some hard words with him?