Mercari scores 3/5 for encryption, 3/5 for privacy, and 3/5 for track record. Overall safety score: 3/5.

What are the privacy concerns with Mercari?

Mercari security review covering payment protection, seller safety, and marketplace data handling.

Has Mercari been hacked before?

See our detailed analysis of Mercari's past security incidents and track record at The Opt-Out Project.

Is Mercari Safe? Security Review

Name: Is Mercari Safe? Security Review
Item: Mercari
Rating: 3
Author: The Opt-Out Project

Category: Shopping Company: Mercari, Inc. Reviewed February 10, 2026

3/5

Overall Safety Score

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Verdict: Mercari provides adequate safety for a peer-to-peer marketplace with built-in payment protection. Standard marketplace risks apply, including potential scams and counterfeit items.

Mercari is a Japanese-founded consumer-to-consumer marketplace app for selling nearly anything. It handles payments through its platform, providing protection for both buyers and sellers.

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Security Ratings Breakdown

Category	Score	Rating
Encryption	3/5
Privacy	3/5
Track Record	3/5

Security Features

Built-in payment protection (Mercari Balance)
Two-factor authentication
Seller ratings and reviews
In-app messaging (no personal contact info needed)
Shipping label generation (no address exchange needed)

Privacy Concerns

Purchase behavior and browsing tracked for recommendations
Address data handled through shipping system
Standard ad targeting based on activity

Past Security Incidents

2021 Mercari Japan disclosed unauthorized access that exposed customer and employee information through a Codecov compromise
No major US Mercari platform breaches as of 2025

How to Stay Safe Using Mercari

Only pay through Mercari's platform, never off-app
Review seller ratings before purchasing
Use the built-in shipping labels to protect your address
Document items with photos when selling

Safer Alternatives

Poshmark (fashion-focused)
OfferUp (local pickup focus)
eBay (more buyer protections)

🛡

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Last updated: February 10, 2026