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.

He will definitely get banned once Vinted read these messages/ I would call the non emergency line to report (this is threatening). You will also get a refund. I’m sorry that this has happened to you. I also had a very bad experience with Vinted similar to yours:

I’m sorry the police have been so utterly useless.

100% call 999. I'd class this as urgent, especially as you are alone. This makes me so mad that there are people out there like this.

Was the item posted to your house? I assume that's how they have your address? If things are posted to a locker, would they not know the address does anyone know? Thinking about using that option always in future

Can you update the police using their online service? Not sure if every force has this option. ours does.

Same MO? Fake goods> threats> pics of guns> more threats?

OMG I've just read the messages, that is definitely a situation for the police, especially as he's included "you have children right?" Bloody hell I really hope you get it sorted x

Just wanting to try to give you some reassurance as I’m retired Police and my job was to assess this sort of incident and I had one exactly the same as this by a seller on Vinted making the same sort of threats to a buyer. The images were the same/similar to yours and fake/already available on the internet so clearly just copied and the seller was abroad so no immediate real risk and the weapons are not ones that are realistically available in the UK to civilians so although it will seem scary there will be no real risk of anyone coming to your address I can assure you and that will why the Police have not attended yet but it is poor that no one has explained that risk assessment to you and given you that reassurance x I hope this will help .. don’t usually out my ex job on forums but can see this has got you worried and understandably so but please be reassured these are not realistic threats.

So sorry for you but at least the police are aware

WHO THE FUCK IS THE 2%????

THE GUY HAS THREATENED TO SEND TO PEOPLE TO HER HOME WHERE HE KNOWS HERE KIDDIES ARE AND YOU SAY SHE'S BEING UNREASONABLE??!?!

COME ON.... REVEAL YOURSELVES....

Probably people who say things like “well you are UNReasonable for using VINTED” kind of thing

Jeez...this is horrible. Call the police again to update.

Yes it warrants 999 you are alone with kids. He had repeatedly threatened you several times.

If you read the thread you'd know this is an established scam that's been running for at least 2 years - by the same pillocks who can't even copypaste new images.

Your caps lock is on the left of your keboard. Hit it once to return to normal function.

Sorry if someone has shared this already but looks like it happens. I'm so sorry this is happening to you. www.thesun.co.uk/money/24939044/vinted-online-safety-bill-shopping-abusive-messages-threats/

This is awful and I hope the police take it seriously, although the guy sounds like a twat who's using threats he doesn't mean to avoid a return!

Just as an aside, I sell a lot on Vinted and most of my parcels get sent to collection points, but the home address is always on the label still.
The shop I collect mine from always ask me to confirm my address too, which is always printed on the label.
With eBay this isn't the case, it's just the collection address.

PS. Vinted take several weeks to respond, they're not UK based, just stick with the police.

https://www.oisehebdo.fr/2023/06/11/chantilly-commande-vinted-cauchemar/

I found this exact photo on this website. It looks like a regular scam and threat.

I hope that reassures you x

OP, turn your account to holiday settings then it won't be visible if he creates more accounts. I would message Vinted and say that you're gonna need a new username.

Call the police and ask to be put through to the officers dealing with 'violence against women' and be clear you are not asking for the 'Sexual Misconduct Liaison Officer' nor are you asking for the 'Sex Worker Liaison Officer'.

Each constabulary should have a dedicated team, many of whom will be female and I am confident you will be listened to and the case looked into. You certainly appear to have plenty of evidence.

My very best wishes.

This is 100% 999. I say this as a police controller.

I don’t know if it helps at all but I reversed search the image they sent and it appears in a French article about Vinted and how a woman was threatened in 2023 when she had an issue with a purchase so it at least isn’t a photo they’ve taken just to send to you

www.oisehebdo.fr/2023/06/11/chantilly-commande-vinted-cauchemar/

Im hoping op is speaking to someone about jt all now.

I would phone 999 back for this honestly, he’s making even more direct threats and threatening that he has your address while circumventing the ban :( I worry it would get pushed as less urgent than emergent/acute situations that happen tonight, but think you really need someone to come round given he’s doubled down on it and tried to find you elsewhere!

I mean they made a direct threat to her and her children referencing violence and a weapon and saying they know her address, plus multiple people either in the police force/formerly in the police or affiliated with them have confirmed 999 is appropriate so it’s perhaps your outlook that needs adjusting

Sending a hug op x