The mobile marketplace app OfferUp has been connecting buyers and sellers for nearly 15 years, competing with industry giants like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay. With over 30 million transactions processed annually, the platform's popularity has inevitably attracted fraudsters looking to exploit unsuspecting users. Here's everything you need to know to stay safe while buying and selling on OfferUp.
Top 10 OfferUp Scams
1. Counterfeit Items
Beware of high-value items that turn out to be knockoffs. Sellers typically try to persuade you to pay via third-party services like Zelle or Venmo rather than through the app, as doing so means the item won't be covered by OfferUp's Purchase Protection.
2. Payment Scams
Scammers, whether buyers or sellers, often try to trick you into transacting via third-party cash apps. They may:
- Promise to pay above asking price, then overpay using a stolen account or fake check and request a refund
- Ask to pay via gift cards, which turn out to be fake or have zero value
- Claim to be out-of-town sellers requesting cash-app payment for items they never ship
3. Account Takeover
A buyer asks for a verification code to 'verify' your listing, often through Google Voice. They're actually trying to log into your account and need the two-factor authentication code sent by OfferUp. If you hand it over, they gain control of your account, accessing your personal information and potentially using it to scam others.
4. Empty Box Scam
Some sellers add disclaimers in lengthy item descriptions stating they're only offering the box or a digital photo of the item. When it arrives, all you receive is an empty container.
5. Phishing Links
Scam buyers and sellers send messages like "click here to get paid" or "click to verify your info." These links lead to phishing sites designed to steal your logins, payment details, and other sensitive personal information.
6. Email Phishing
Some fraudsters ask for your email address or phone number during transactions, then use it to spam you with malicious links designed to steal information or install malware on your device.
7. Deposit Scam
Sellers post high-value items and offer delivery if you put down a deposit to secure it. The item doesn't exist, and you've lost the deposit.
8. Bouncing Checks
Scammers pay for items via check, which bounces several days later, leaving you without the item, payment, or any recourse.
9. Investment Opportunity
Sellers post listings about "investment opportunities" requiring you to send money first—classic advance-fee fraud.
10. Fake Jobs
Scammers pose as employers requiring upfront payment for 'background checks' or request personal and financial details as part of the 'application process,' which they use for identity fraud.
What OfferUp Protects
OfferUp offers 2-day Purchase Protection for buyers, meaning you have 48 hours from delivery to file claims for items that are:
- Significantly not as described
- Damaged in transit
- Counterfeit
- Not received or empty box scams
However, OfferUp will not offer protection for anything purchased off-app, that violates its rules (e.g., gift cards, alcohol), or that was paid for in cash, in person.
Red Flags to Watch For
When browsing the app, these should all be warning signs:
- Too-good-to-be-true deals: Usually from fraudulent sellers wanting deposits or scam buyers wanting off-app transactions
- No buyer history: Not necessarily a scammer, but warrants extra caution
- Non-Community Meetup Spots: Suggests they want the transaction unobserved
- Verification code requests: They actually want to log into your account
- Messages with links: Typically phishing attempts
- Urgency tactics: Rushes you into unwise decisions
- Emotional manipulation: Claims of military service or family emergencies preventing in-person meetings
- Hidden disclaimers: Phrases like "box only," "digital photo," or "replica" buried in descriptions
- Off-app payment requests: Major red flag
- Stock photos: Indicates they don't own the product
- Overpayment: Classic scam setup
Staying Safe on OfferUp
To stay safe, the advice is simple: don't leave the app and don't click dubious links. This means:
- Never leave the app for messaging or payments
- Never hand over personal details
- Don't respond to messages with links
- For in-person sales, use Community Meetup Spots
- Only transact with users who have a "TruYou" badge for added security
If You've Been Scammed
If the worst happens, take these steps:
- Report to OfferUp immediately: In Messages, tap the conversation with the scammer and the three dots, then Report
- File a claim: Submit a Purchase Protection claim in the OfferUp Help Center
- Contact your bank: File a chargeback for card payments or report to the cash app you used
- Change passwords: If you shared personal information or verification codes, update your app passwords and any sites using the same credentials
- Monitor accounts: Watch for unusual banking activity
- Report to authorities: Consider reporting to the FTC, FBI, or relevant agencies
- Document everything: Take screenshots of listings, profiles, chat history, and payment receipts before deleting or blocking
TL;DR
- OfferUp processes 30 million transactions annually, attracting various scammers
- Common scams include counterfeit items, payment fraud, account takeovers, and phishing
- Never complete transactions off-app or click suspicious links
- Only use OfferUp's messaging and payment systems for Purchase Protection coverage
- Report scams immediately and document all evidence
Source: ESET: OfferUp scammers are out in force: Here's what you should know