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.

She's spoken to the police and they're coming round.

We're in a gun license holding community, rural farming and shooting. I would phone 999 as would my husband.

Glad you've reported. Not to panic you but now might be a good time to install a ring doorbell or check neighbours have one. Pretty sure it's some idiot hiding behind his computer and acting the big man,silly twat 😞

If only they’d answer…..

OP if no answer from 101, then 999….. you’ve got no choice!

Report it, and report it to the press if police do not react quickly (and if Vinted do not disclose to the police the seller’s address and block the seller). Tell Vinted you’re going to the police and the press. Lesson for all of us - delivery to drop off points only!

The ‘not a threat’ bit sounds more menacing if anything as the insinuation is that he intends to carry it out

And I edited my post

They should take this VERY seriously.

I've had police take action over far lower level threat in the past (threatened to come to my house, told me he worked for the MOD and could hack my credit cards and get me fired and all sorts of stuff).

They took a statement from me plus all the screen shots.
They then contacted the police in the area he was actually in, and they went and visted him AT WORK, and yes he did work for MOD (wasn't military himself) - which meant (the officer recounted this with a fair bit of glee) that they had to explain at several levels to his employers and staff in the building, why they wanted to speak to him and why this was at work... 'Because he's been using his employment here as part of his threat to a disabled woman who has done nothing wrong'.

It was all very embarrassing for him, I believe his employment was at risk (they couldn't tell me the details but it wasn't the first time he'd used his employment with MOD as a means to threaten people). I got a written apology which I suspect he was forced to make it was a very 'sorry IF you were scared, I didn't really mean it' bullshitty apology.

I obviously responded before you edited.
Seen your update now.

Stay safe OP. Hope the police turn up soon. Have you been able to secure doors and windows. Keep your phone fully charged.

To be honest, I've heard of so many scams on Vinted, I wouldn't use it anyway.

Wow! Police for sure. Sorry you’re going through this OP.

I posted earlier about this but if you missed it, your address will still be printed on the parcel no matter where it is being sent.

I hope the police actually turn up.

You're address isn't on the parcel if it goes via inpost locker.

I’ve had multiple parcels sent to drop off locker and my address wasn’t on any of them, only the lockers address?

@Reasonswhy don't know if anyone has mentioned, nor if it's relevant but that picture shows an "AK47" according to google, so clearly a threat

Online threats are a crime.

Vinted has a zero-tolerance policy for violent, hateful, or threatening messages.

They suggest you block the seller on Vinted

If you are worried the seller has your home address, remember that in some cases, even with a collection point delivery, the seller might still see some address details depending on the postal service.

Reporting to the police is essential so they can intervene if needed.

You are rightfully concerned but have done everything you possibly can to protect yourself.

Hoping that our thin blue line helps with a successful outcome for you.

OP I am so glad you have done the right thing and told someone. Is there somewhere else you can stay for a few days over the weekend just in case?

True, not at the time it is put in the locker. But if the seller uses the InPost app and the buyer has asked the seller to send to their address via InPost, they can see the address on the app.

Not true.

I’ve seen this same thing several times on Vinted selling groups (seller holding a rifle and threatening messages) and it’s been in the Sun newspaper a couple of times too.

Definitely warrants calling 101, you're not being unreasonable, and this needs attending to asap if you haven't already. Sending a hug

Well done.
Be interesting to see what they think of "this isn't a threat" followed by a threat + a photo of a gun

That photo is the same as the one here: https://www.oisehebdo.fr/2023/06/11/chantilly-commande-vinted-cauchemar/

well done for reporting it