'Banned over a pair of £2 sandals': Why some sellers are complaining about Vinted
Vinted users are reporting widespread frustration after being permanently banned from the platform for alleged fraudulent activity, often triggered by automated systems. Many sellers claim the AI-driven moderation is flawed, leading to wrongful suspensions and a lack of effective human customer support.
Why it matters
It illustrates the growing tension between platform automation and user rights in the booming second-hand retail market.
Image caption, Emma Neil was banned from Vinted after listing a pair of sandals which it deemed to be fake
Single mum Emma Neil was a huge fan of Vinted, using it most days to sell old things and buy clothes for her children.
That was until she bought a pair of sandals for £3, found they didn't fit so relisted them for £2 then was permanently banned. Vinted said there had been "fraudulent activity, such as selling counterfeit items".
"I did feel like a criminal," says Neil - one of several thousands complaining of being wrongly suspended or permanently banned, spending days trapped in a system of what they believe are AI generated responses.
Vinted's preloved buying and selling community has grown rapidly with 17 million UK users - it says the "overwhelming majority" have a positive experience.
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