Vinted sellers report issues as some take legal action to recover funds

For many users, Vinted is a convenient way to clear out a closet, but for others, the platform has become a source of financial frustration. As people search for information on whether Vinted took my money, reports have emerged of sellers facing significant hurdles when attempting to withdraw earnings from their online wallets. The platform, which boasts 17 million users in the UK, has faced scrutiny after professional sellers found themselves unable to access funds following mandatory verification processes.

Mali Osmelak, a seller who turned to the platform to supplement her income, found herself in a protracted legal battle after being unable to withdraw nearly £6,000. Despite providing necessary documentation for her business account, she encountered a cycle of automated responses and failed verification attempts. After eight weeks of being locked out of her funds, she initiated a small claims court case against Vinted and its former payment processor, Mangopay. Following the filing, her account was verified, though she continues to pursue the recovery of legal fees and costs.

Sellers are struggling to access funds held in Vinted wallets due to complex verification requirements.

Legal challenges and verification hurdles

Ms. Osmelak obtained a default judgment against the companies in June, though both have since applied to have the ruling set aside, with a hearing set for December. Vinted maintains that verification checks are essential to comply with regulatory requirements and notes that 98% of transactions proceed without support intervention. Regarding Ms. Osmelak’s case, the company stated that her documents did not match her account name, a discrepancy she claims she had previously flagged to them.

Other sellers have reported similar experiences. Azri Mukthar, a businessman who registered as a Pro seller, stated he has been unable to withdraw nearly £2,500 for over a year despite providing all requested documentation. Mangopay, which previously handled payments for the platform, stated it is bound by professional secrecy and cannot comment on individual cases or legal matters.

Why it matters

The reported difficulties highlight the friction that can occur when online marketplaces implement automated compliance and verification systems. For professional sellers relying on these platforms for income, the inability to access held funds can have significant financial consequences. While the platform remains popular, these cases underscore the challenges users face when trying to resolve disputes with large, automated digital systems.