The Growing OfferUp Fraud Problem
OfferUp processes over 30 million transactions annually, competing with giants like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay. With this volume comes an inevitable influx of fraudulent activity. Understanding these scams is essential for anyone buying or selling on the platform.
Top 10 OfferUp Scams to Watch For
1. Counterfeit Items
High-value items that turn out to be fake are a common trap. Sellers typically push buyers to pay through third-party services like Zelle or Venmo rather than through the app, which removes Purchase Protection coverage.
2. Payment Scams
Scammers exploit third-party cash apps in multiple ways:
- Overpayment fraud: They offer above asking price, overpay using stolen accounts or fake checks, then request a refund
- Gift card scams: Payment via fake or zero-value gift cards
- Out-of-town sellers: Requesting payment for items that never ship
3. Account Takeover
Buyers request verification codes to 'verify' your listing—often through Google Voice. They're actually trying to access your account using your two-factor authentication code. Handing it over gives them complete control.
4. Empty Box Scam
Some sellers hide disclaimers in lengthy descriptions stating they're only selling the box or a digital photo. Buyers receive literally nothing of value.
5. Phishing Links
Messages containing links like "click here to get paid" or "verify your info" lead to phishing sites designed to steal login credentials and payment details.
6. Email and Phone Phishing
Once scammers obtain your email or phone number during transactions, they spam you with malicious links to install malware or harvest information.
7. Deposit Scams
High-value items offered with delivery—as long as you put down a deposit first. The item doesn't exist, and your deposit is gone.
8. Bouncing Checks
Payment via check that bounces days later, leaving sellers without payment or their item.
9. Fake Investment Opportunities
Listings about "investment opportunities" requiring upfront money transfers.
10. Fraudulent Job Posts
Fake employers demanding payment for background checks or requesting personal and financial details for identity fraud.
What OfferUp's Protection Covers
OfferUp offers 2-day Purchase Protection for buyers covering:
- Items significantly not as described
- Items damaged in transit
- Counterfeit products
- Items not received or empty box scams
Important limitations: Protection does NOT apply to off-app purchases, prohibited items (gift cards, alcohol), or cash transactions.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Deals that seem too good to be true
- Buyer profiles with no transaction history
- Meetup locations not designated as Community Meetup Spots
- Requests for verification codes
- Messages containing verification links
- Urgency tactics pressuring quick decisions
- Emotional manipulation (military deployment, family emergencies)
- Hidden phrases like "box only," "digital photo," or "replica" in descriptions
- Requests to pay outside the app
- Stock photos instead of actual item photos
- Overpayment offers
Essential Safety Practices
The golden rule: Never leave the app for messaging or payments.
- Keep all communication within OfferUp
- Never share personal details outside the platform
- Don't click on links in messages
- Use Community Meetup Spots for in-person transactions
- Prioritize buyers and sellers with "TruYou" verification badges
If You've Been Scammed
Immediate Actions:
- Report to OfferUp: Open Messages, tap the conversation, select the three dots, then Report
- File a claim: Submit through the OfferUp Help Center within 2 days for Purchase Protection
- Contact your bank: File a chargeback for card payments
- Report to the cash app: If you paid off-platform
Protect Your Accounts:
- Change your OfferUp password immediately
- Update passwords on sites where you reused the same credentials
- Monitor bank accounts for suspicious activity
- Watch for follow-up phishing attempts
Report to Authorities:
- FTC (US)
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Report Fraud (UK)
Before deleting messages or blocking the user, capture screenshots of:
- Original listing
- Scammer's profile
- Complete chat history
- Payment receipts
Conclusion
OfferUp remains an excellent platform for local buying and selling, but awareness is your best defense. By recognizing these common scams and following basic safety protocols, you can enjoy the marketplace while keeping scammers at bay.
Source: WeLiveSecurity - ESET Blog