Is Mercari a Scam? 

If you’re thinking of using Mercari, you need to know: Is Mercari a scam? 

Below, we explain whether Mercari is a scam and discuss some steps you can take to improve your safety when using this platform. 

What Is Mercari?

Mercari is a Japanese marketplace app that allows users to buy and sell items through their smartphones. 

The marketplace is primarily for buying and selling second-hand items in various categories (clothing, electronics, accessories, etc.). It’s similar to platforms like eBay.

Buyers can search for products using keywords or categories, check product information (condition, shipping fees, seller ratings, etc.), and choose various payment options.

Is Mercari a Scam?

No, Mercari is not a scam. It’s a legitimate e-commerce platform. 

Mercari is one of Japan’s most popular consumer-to-consumer marketplaces (and a publicly traded company) that has expanded into the US, with millions of users and billions in annual transactions. 

However, as is the case with any large online marketplace, users may encounter fraudulent listings. 

In general, it’s recommended that you only buy items from sellers with good ratings. 

Online forums show that internet users have had mixed experiences with Mercari. 

Some users report successful transactions with reputable, rated sellers. 

Others have experienced scams (which were typically resolved through refunds by Mercari’s customer service).

Mercari has a Buyer Protection program. 

Under this program, when you purchase an item, your payment (including a 3.6% fee applied to both the item price and buyer-paid shipping) is held by Mercari until you receive the item and rate the transaction. 

If you don’t rate your order within a specific time window (72 hours), the platform releases your payment to the seller. 

If the item you get isn’t as described, you have 72 hours from confirmed delivery to provide proof that that’s the case and file a claim.

Returns are allowed for items that are damaged, wrong, or significantly different from the listing. Returns are not accepted for reasons such as fit, style, cleanliness, change of mind, etc. 

Mercari provides 24/7 email support, with additional phone support provided Monday–Friday, 8 am–6 pm PST (excluding holidays).

The Mercari app gets a 4.6 out of 5.0-star rating (from 565,507 ratings) on Google Play and a 4.8 out of 5.0-star rating (from 1,800,518 ratings) on the App Store.  

Security

Mercari says it uses verification, predictive analytics, and proactive monitoring to ensure a secure marketplace.

Its security measures include the following:

• AI & automated monitoring. AI technology automatically detects and flags transactions or listings that violate the platform’s terms (such as counterfeits or prohibited items).
• Cooperation with authorities. Mercari works closely with law enforcement and industry organizations (e.g., CIPP, EC Business Association) to improve overall security. 
• Enhanced identity verification. Since 2019, users must provide personal information during registration. This helps ensure withdrawals match the registered identity and reduces fraudulent listings.

When it comes to the safety and security of your financial data, like credit card information, Mercari says this information is “securely managed with the highest level of security in Mercari Group” but does not go into detail. 

Privacy

According to its privacy policy, Mercari may collect the following information about you:

• Account data. Information you provide when registering on the Mercari app or website, such as contact details, financial information, and personal identifiers (e.g., date of birth, tax ID).
• Usage data. Mercari collects information from user interactions, including device info, IP address, browsing activity, and transaction details. 

Mercari can also get your information from third parties (e.g., identity verification services, social networks, Google Analytics). 

You can access, edit, or close your Mercari account at any time.

Mercari retains data for as long as necessary for legal, business, or dispute resolution purposes.

It may share your information with:

• Service providers (e.g., for payment processing, marketing, shipping, customer service).

• Affiliates and third parties that help deliver or improve the service.
• Authorities, when required by law or to protect legal rights, and in connection with corporate transactions.

Publicly posted content (e.g., sales listings) on Mercari is visible to everyone.

Mercari says your personal information may be transferred, stored, and processed in the United States or other jurisdictions with different privacy laws.

The Common Sense Privacy Program gives Mercari a “Warning” rating. This means the platform “Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.”

Among the issues flagged by the Common Sense Privacy Program are that Mercari sells or rents personal information to third parties, shares information for third-party marketing, and displays personalized advertising. 

The Privacy Program also says third parties collect data about Mercari users for their own purposes. 

So, Should You Use Mercari?

Probably. 

Mercari is a legitimate marketplace with buyer protection measures and is popular for buying and selling items online. 

However, like any online platform, it can feature scammy sellers and unscrupulous buyers. 

How to Use Mercari Safely

• Read the reviews. Since sellers on Mercari automatically get 5-star ratings if not reviewed manually, it’s a better idea to look for sellers that have detailed reviews. 
• Check the seller’s profile. Ideally, look for sellers with multiple item listings and a profile picture. 
• Communicate in-app. Use Mercari’s messaging system for all communication to ensure you have a paper trail in case any issues come up.
• Make payments on the Mercari platform. Always complete transactions within the Mercari platform. Avoid any requests for payment outside the system.
• Read the Returns Policy. Make sure you understand Mercari’s buyer protection and return processes so you know your options if an item isn’t as described.
• Review and update your Mercari account information. Log in to your Mercari account to view, edit, or update your personal data (e.g., name, address, contact info). Keeping this information minimal and accurate helps reduce exposure.
• Manage your communication preferences. Adjust your notification and marketing settings within your Mercari profile to limit unwanted communications.
• Control cookies. Adjust your browser or device settings to manage cookies or delete them. Keep in mind that turning off cookies may affect some app functionalities.
• Exercise your privacy rights. Depending on your location (especially if you’re in California), you can request access to or a copy of your personal data, ask for corrections if your information is inaccurate, and request deletion of your personal data if you no longer wish to use the service. You can opt out of targeted advertising or the sale of your personal information by emailing us-datarequest@mercari.com.
• Close your Mercari account. If you decide you no longer want your information held by Mercari, you can close your account through your settings.