Vinted Users Detail Account Freezes and Withheld Funds, Facing Court Action for Reimbursement

Numerous Vinted users are encountering significant hurdles in accessing funds from their online wallets, with some resorting to legal action to retrieve their money. The popular second-hand clothing platform, owned by a Lithuanian company, has prompted frustration among sellers whose earnings have been unexpectedly withheld.

Litigation for Reimbursement

One individual, Kelly Best from Manchester, initiated a court claim against Vinted after £180 remained inaccessible for months following her account's suspension. Her successful claim in January compelled Vinted to repay the sum, along with court fees totalling £110. Best described the ordeal as "ridiculous" and a "massive headache", highlighting the disproportionate effort required to recover her own money.

Another Vinted user, Beth from Greater London, recounted a similar experience, with £200 frozen in her account. She stated she would pursue legal action if her funds were not released, noting the company's customer service response time, which can extend to several weeks.

Vinted's Stance and Operational Concerns

Vinted attributes these account suspensions to its anti-money laundering obligations, stating it must "request more information" when certain thresholds or suspicious activities are detected. The company asserts that frozen funds are held securely and released once identity verification is completed. However, users like Best and Beth report extensive delays and inadequate communication during this process.

The marketplace's terms and conditions stipulate that Vinted may freeze accounts and funds for up to six months while investigations occur. This policy has left many sellers in a precarious financial position, with their earnings effectively impounded without clear resolution timelines.