Channel 4 Dispatches focuses on dark side of Vinted including fake products and misogynistic websites

A new Channel 4 Dispatches investigation aired on UK TV this week, entitled Vinted’s Dirty Laundry, in which journalist Ellie Flynn took a look into the darker side of the online marketplace for buying, selling, and exchanging new and secondhand items.

Despite going against Vinted’s terms and conditions, the documentary flags a significant number of fake products being sold on the platform.

Flynn also found that there were users who were selling prohibited products, such as open and used beauty items. Recalled products were also in circulation, such as baby sleeping bags and self-feeding baby pillows, as well as some prescription drugs.

Some users have also experienced harassment, hateful language and inappropriate and unwanted messages and images, including a man who suffered threats of violence over a cancelled order.

Elsewhere, Flynn discovered a website where people stole images of women demonstrating and selling items on Vinted and sexualised them alongside derogatory comments..

One of these women, 28-year-old Lydia, appears on the TV programme and comments: “It’s very disturbing. I had no idea this was happening, and it has made me feel extremely unsafe.”

The site, which went by the absolutely foul name of Vinted Sluts and had the tagline ‘When you sell your clothes, but you want the attention’, has now been closed down.

A spokesperson for Vinted said: “We are taking the allegations seriously… We act as swiftly as we can against anything that violates our terms and conditions. We’re very sorry to hear of these experiences and commit to take the necessary action against members who violate our community standards.”

“We have a number of measures in place to uphold safety on the platform and are constantly updating these processes and improving our level of personal member support.”

Adam Jay

Earlier this year, Vinted’s CEO, Adam Jay, was named as the top retail innovator in a report released by Retail Insider in partnership with Retail Technology Show.

This champions progressive individuals from across the sector, who are fundamentally impacting the constantly changing retail landscape. From industry veterans to rising stars and high achievers, the report highlights the best examples of individuals whose disruptive approach and innovational drive are redefining retail.

Jay was praised for accelerating the online marketplace’s first mover advantage during his two-year tenure as CEO.  Under his stewardship, despite many competitors entering the pre-loved space and other circular retail formats emerging, he has ensured Vinted’s offer has remained relevant and compelling, so that it still has traction with consumers of all ages, it was noted. 

Taking second place, Olivia Ferdi, the Co-Founder of Trip, was recognised for her role in the growth of the CBD infused drinks and oils brand, while the Founder and CEO of Skin +Me, Horatio Carey, took third spot, having broken the mould with the retailer’s personalised skincare subscription service.