Is Your Etsy Account Hacked? Here’s What to Do

The worst has happened! One day you just noticed unfamiliar listings and unusual store behavior, or you simply cannot log back into your profile. Now you are asking yourself - is my Etsy account hacked? Probably yes, but don't worry, it's not the end of the world. There are still some steps you can take to get your shop back and continue with your online selling business. Also, you can use multichannel listing software to have better control of your stores, so read our blog to find out how this can be achieved.

Is Your Etsy Account Hacked? Here Are the Signs to Look Out for Before Reaching Out to the Support Team

Many online resellers who have been selling used clothes and vintage items on numerous platforms can spot that something is wrong right away. However, e-commerce owners who are just starting would find clear indications that the online store has been compromised, so they would not act immediately! This is detrimental since the sooner you take action, the better. Here is a list of signs so you can conclude right away - "My Etsy account was hacked."

Receiving Suspicious Notifications and Emails

Be cautious of any email arriving at your email address claiming to be from Etsy that requests that you share personal information, login credentials, or payment details. Successful Etsy shop owners understand the importance of protecting their accounts and would not ask for such information via email. Additionally, notifications about unauthorized password changes, unrecognized purchases, or modifications to your store details can be strong indications of compromised accounts.

Denied Access - Watch Out for Password Resets and Changes

If you notice that the password has been changed or reset, it can be a clear sign that your Etsy account selling vintage clothing, arts, and crafts may have been taken over by hackers. They often attempt to gain unauthorized access to accounts by changing the password to lock out the profile owner. By doing so, they aim to take control of the profile and potentially engage in fraudulent activities on the online marketplace platform.

Unfamiliar Transactions and Messages From Contacts

In case you see unauthorized transactions, such as sales that you didn't initiate or purchases made without your knowledge, it suggests that someone else has gained access to the shop and is using it for their purposes. Additionally, if your contacts inform you of unusual messages, comments, or activities coming from your account, it could signify that hackers are using your compromised store to target and deceive others.

It’s Official! The Hackers Have Taken Your Shop - What Should One Do in Case of a Hacked Etsy Account

Now that you know the true indicators that hackers gained access to the store, you can act accordingly and what is important as well - really fast! If you follow the steps correctly, you can get back to increasing Etsy sales and accepting orders from customers. What is more, the instructions provided below would work whether you get hacked on Etsy or Depop, or any other platform.

You Should Change Your Etsy Password Right Away

Stop the horror of uncertainty and take action. When your store for selling online is compromised, changing your password immediately is of utmost importance. By doing so, you can swiftly regain control over your profile and prevent further unauthorized access. Choose a strong, unique, and new password that you haven't used elsewhere. Use a combination of 

• upper and lowercase letters, 
• numbers, 
• special characters. 

This will help you disrupt the hacker's activities and minimize the potential damage. In case you need more tips on how to create a strong new password, watch the video below.

Stop Hackers Who Hide Behind Screens and Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) is a crucial step to take when your Etsy account has been compromised. 2FA provides an additional layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized individuals to gain access. 

Go to your account settings and navigate to the security or authentication section. Choose the option to enable 2FA and follow the instructions provided. Typically, the platform will ask you to link your account with a mobile device or an authentication app. Once activated, whenever you log in, you'll be required to provide a verification code in addition to your password.

Finally, Contact the Support Team if You Are Completely Locked Out

So, someone hacked my Etsy account and locked me out, what now? Your best bet is to turn to the support team for help.

• Visit the website: Go to the platform's homepage (www.etsy.com) and log in to your profile. If you are not able to do this, proceed to the next step.
• Find the Help Center: Scroll down to the bottom of the homepage and select the "Help" link under the "Discover" column. This will take you to the Help Center.
• Contacting the Support Team: In the Help Center, you can find various categories of topics. Click on the one that best matches your issue (e.g., "Selling on Etsy"). Then, choose a relevant sub-topic.
• Contact Options: Look for the "Contact support" button or link. This will usually be located near the top or bottom of the page. Click on it.
• Choose the contact method that suits you best.
• Describe the Issue: Provide a detailed description of the hacking incident. Update the support team about what you have done to stop the hackers.
• Submit your request: Follow the instructions provided to submit your request. The platform will then answer your request and guide you through the steps to recover your profile.

Have A Better Control of Various Online Selling Platforms - Invest in a Crossposting App

We've already hinted at a secret tool that would enable you to stop irregularities and suspicious actions with different shops across multiple platforms. We are talking about a crossposting tool that can manage your listings 24/7 on its own and keep you updated on everything that is happening with your shops. 

So, a cross-listing software won't just keep track of your Etsy orders but sales on Depop, eBay, Vinted, and Shopify as well. We recommend investing in an amazing crossposting software - Zipsale, so you can reach a bigger customer base. Apart from stepping up your game as a reseller, the selling software will enable you to make a significant profit. Find out additional info on a website.

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