OfferUp scams exposed: Protect yourself from fraud on the marketplace

Purchases and sales online just offer more utility, but you can never be too sure about their security. One of the most popular websites in this space is the platform called OfferUp. It gives millions of people an opportunity to get a great deal and sell their unwanted goods. This popularity, however, is also attractive to dishonest people. The problem of OfferUp scams is increasing these days. Fraudsters use tricks and enjoy using the trust of the buyers on the OfferUp platform. They also attack both sellers and buyers by being fraudulent. So, some knowledge on these scams can save you a lot of money.

This article reveals typical frauds at OfferUp. It also offers useful tips to guard against fraud to users. The concept discussed here is how to transact healthily and with increased awareness in the online market places.

What is OfferUp?

OfferUp is a mobile selling application company that was established back in 2011. It was created to make it easier to purchase and sell in local groups. The application is free, with premium visibility tools.

Users can list items quickly. All you need is a photo, description and price. It has online shops in other categories like looking in a catalog. Typical items can include electronics, clothing, cars and household items. It is not similar to eBay since it focuses on local offers. Many of the transactions occur face to face rather than through mailing. Sellers and buyers come together and transact in the open places.

The app has grown rapidly over the years. It boasts of more than 20 million users each month within the United States. In 2020, it gained a massive base by a merger with letgo. It is among the most downloaded resale apps in America today. OfferUp supports the development of friendly communication via in-app chat. Details could be negotiated and clarified before the parties meet. This type of design restricts fraud as opposed to anonymous listings. It, however, does not do away with risk completely. It is convenient and simple, which makes it popular. And abuse comes with universal use. Fraudsters on OfferUp find the site as fertile ground to target young or inexperienced users.

What is the age requirement of OfferUp?

There are safety age requirements on offer up just like every other app. OfferUp users must be 16 years of age. So, parents should give consent to users aged 16-17.

It is highly recommended to get the guidance of parents if you’re under 20. A parent can read through listings, negotiate safe practices and accompany minors to exchanges. The parental protection of the accounts is what OfferUp anticipates when opening an account with teenagers.

Does OfferUp have buyer protection: Is OfferUp safe?

OfferUp has safety features but are somewhat limited. The platform is not as vulnerable as your basic marketplace apps, but there are gaps nonetheless.

Buyer protection tools

• Secrecy of private communication is under encryption messaging.
• The ratings indicate past experiences between the buyers and sellers.
• Badges check active and long-established accounts.
• Safe in-app payment offers conditional refund possibilities on disputes.

Protection gaps

Frauds in OfferUp shipping prove that one cannot be safe. Once users make payments outside the application, it is too late. There is also no protection for the buyer with cash deals. OfferUp will have nothing to do after the money is exchanged.

Wire transfer payments are risky, as well as gift cards. So, Scammers like these methods because they cannot be traced.

Overall safety

OfferUp is valid and reasonably secure. However, security lies less in the hands of the platforms than in the hands of users. Fraud cannot be fully prevented. Hence, the app minimizes the exposure but never eliminates risk.

As such, experience and prudent practice are critical. Despite the presence of security tools, the con men on OfferUp thrive in areas where users are somewhat ignorant of the transaction.

What happens if you get scammed on OfferUp?

For the most part, there is very little you can do after you fall into Offerup scams. You might suffer from:

• Loss of money: When criminals steal money, there is barely a possibility of retrieving it. Most transactions are final.
• Goods loss: Sellers who deliver goods fail to receive payment.
• Identity theft: Scammers can abuse sensitive information and commit identity theft. Common targets include phone numbers, addresses of the home, and account login information.
• Emotional distress: The victims lose hope in the market and Internet transactions.

OfferUp investigates reports, but refunds are rare. Local cash transfers rarely guarantee compensation. Shipping frauds that use in-app payment are occasionally partially refunded. However, this is a lengthy process and it requires much evidence.

This is why the focus on prevention is so high. Being victimized means wasted finances, time, and, in some cases, legal issues.

Common OfferUp scams to watch out for

Fraudsters use many tactics. There are various patterns that users need to know about. Common scams on OfferUp include the following.

Fake payment scams

Scammers send photos of fake successful payments. However, the seller does not receive any money in his account. Still, the scammer tricks the seller into believing him. So, the seller sends the product, and the scammer disappears.

For example, in June 2024, a seller shared on a consumer forum that they shipped a laptop after receiving a “payment confirmation” photo from the buyer. The funds never appeared in their bank account, and the buyer disappeared immediately after shipping.

• Avoidance tip: Users should check their in-app balance to avoid OfferUp Fake payment scams. Do not rely on basic images.

OfferUp shipping scams

Scammers trick victims into off-platform shipping. The scammer will insist on employing third party couriers or apps. Scammers request transactions outside OfferUp. However, buyers lose money on these deals because sellers never pay after receiving it.

In one case reported in mid-2024, a buyer thought they were receiving a smartphone through a private courier arranged by the seller. When the package arrived, the box was empty. The scammer deleted their OfferUp account immediately afterward, making it impossible to track them down.

• Avoidance tip: Always use OfferUp’s in-app shipping and payment tools.

Overpayment scams

Fraudsters make the mistake of paying more than what was listed. They demand compensation for the difference. The initial payment later becomes a fraud. However, victims may sometimes get their money refunded.

For example: A seller listed a laptop for $500. The buyer sent a check for $1,000, claiming it was an accident, and asked the seller to refund the extra $500. By the time the seller realized the original check was fake, they had already returned the difference and lost both the money and the laptop. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) notes this pattern is one of the most persistent scam types across online marketplaces.

• Avoidance tip: Never refund unverified overpayments.

Fake check scams

Fake checks and money orders are common scams on OfferUp. They are first cleared by the banks, then afterwards become invalidated. Sellers ship goods before realizing payment is fake. This results in full loss.

In March 2025, a seller of a used jet ski accepted a $12,500 check that appeared valid. Believing the payment was good, they released the jet ski to the buyer. Days later, the check bounced, leaving the seller with no money and no jet ski. The BBB’s long-term studies confirm that fake check scams continue to cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

• Avoidance tip: Do not use non-digital forms of payment.

Phishing messages

Attackers deploy links (usually disguised as shipping trackers). Malicious links can steal account credentials or install malware.

For instance, in July 2025, OfferUp updated its safety page to highlight reports of fraudsters sending messages like “Click here to claim your payment” or “Track your shipment here.” These links lead to fake login pages designed to steal account credentials. Victims who enter their details often find their OfferUp accounts hijacked or their personal information sold on the dark web.

• Avoidance tip: Use communication on the app only. Pay no attention to suspicious links.

Counterfeit products

Big targets are brand-name products. Luxury purses, electronics, and sneakers are fake. However, buyers realize too late.

In 2024, cybersecurity site Comparitech reported that luxury handbags and sneakers were among the most common fake items or scams found on OfferUp. Buyers often pay hundreds of dollars, only to discover the products are cheap knockoffs with misspelled logos, poor stitching, or non-functioning electronics. Because many listings are “final sale,” buyers are left with no recourse after the fact.

• Avoidance tip: Experts should authenticate valuable property before purchase.

Rental scams

Some scammers rely on fraudulent pictures of houses. They put nice rental advertisements at low rates. Victims pay deposits but never receive property.

In a case from late 2023, a couple responded to a beautiful rental listing with unusually low rent. The “landlord” asked them to wire a deposit before visiting the property. When they arrived at the address, the home was occupied by unrelated residents — the ad had been copied from a legitimate real estate website. The victims lost their deposit and had no way to recover the funds.

• Avoidance tip: Go to the real estate location before sending money.

Fake buyer scams

An artificial buyer applies pressure to transport. They attempt to take the dialogue out of OfferUp. This is a precursor to fraud.

A case in 2023 involving a Colorado couple looking for a trailer. The supposed buyer insisted they continue communication by email, then asked the couple to accept payment via gift cards. They lost $800 before realizing they’d been conned. OfferUp repeatedly stresses that moving conversations off the platform is one of the biggest red flags of a scam.

• Avoidance tip: Do not accept any requests for conversations outside the platform.

Scams evolve constantly and Fraudsters keep finding new ways. So, you need to keep yourself updated about all the warning signs accordingly.

Warning signs to identify scams on OfferUp

Indications of fraud are usually easy to grasp. Users should be able to recognize the following characteristics.

• The under-average prices represent fake or stolen products.
• The need to close business deals immediately is an indication of dishonesty.
• Orders to external applications, gift cards or wire transfer are risky.
• Bad spelling, incorrect grammar, and impersonal responses are unnatural.
• The unwillingness to get together means it is a scam.
• If there is no profile picture, or no rating, it raises suspicion.
• Scammers use overly complicated payment instructions to confuse victims.
• Scammers trick users by requesting unrelated information.

All in all, spotting red flags early prevents losses.

How to avoid getting scammed on OfferUp?

The ultimate defense is prevention. Follow these proven tips.

• Meet in person and in open spaces: Meet in public, safe trade spots to reduce risk. There are exchange zones in some police stations.
• Ship by in-app only: Reject external courier. OfferUp shipping offers basic dispute resolution.
• Use in-app payments: avoid gift cards, wire services, and cash apps.
• Review profiles: Trustworthy sellers have a background and a review.
• Verify the authenticity of products: Research information about products before purchasing high-value items.
• Instincts of trust: Do not disregard the gut. If it seems wrong, cancel.
• Check funds: Before commencing with the delivery of the goods, make sure that there are valid transfers.
• Keep this to yourself: Home address and banking information are confidential.

All these practices prevent the common tricks of scammers.

How to block someone on OfferUp?

Against harassment or suspected scams on OfferUp, blocking can help.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Open a chat with the suspicious user.
2. Tap the user’s profile photo.
3. Go to “report user” and fill the form.
4. Scroll to the “Block” option.
5. Confirm the action to finish.

When banned, the spammer will be unable to email or see your adverts. Use blocking in combination with reporting.

Practical measures: what should you do if you fall victim to a scam on OfferUp?

You need to be quick to follow these steps:

1. Cut contact immediately. Never bargain with the fraudster.
2. Collect evidence. Backup chat history, transaction history, and listing images.
3. Send a report of the fraud within OfferUp.
4. Victims should report scams to their bank or payment provider.
5. Report a loss of large sums of money to the police.
6. Place a fraud warning with credit agencies in case of provision of identity information.

These measures increase your probability of partial recovery. They also help to keep platforms safe by reporting scammers.

How to report a scam on OfferUp?

They use OfferUp to create scam reports.

1. Visit the chat or fake listing.
2. Press the three-dot menu.
3. Select “Report.”
4. Select appropriate categories, including: Fraudulent item or Scam.
5. Confirm submission.

Report evaluations by the Trust & Safety team may result in the removal of the account. It is always good to block scammers later.

Bonus for parents: enhance protection on OfferUp for minors

There are many dangers to minors on the Internet. They are curious about everything, and don’t care much about their safety. So, you need to keep track of how your child is exposed to such platforms.

The best thing you can do is to rely on parental control tools. One of the best options currently is FlashGet Kids. This app can help minors stay safe on OfferUp by letting parents monitor app usage, track suspicious notifications, and set screen time limits. With features like screen mirroring and remote snapshots, parents can spot risks early, guide safe interactions, and stop scams before they cause harm.features like screen mirroring, remote snapshots, and screen time limits. So, you’ll not only be able to monitor your kids, but also restrict your children accordingly.

Final thought

OfferUp scams are pretty common as no market is safe from dishonest people. Where there is no awareness amongst users, the fraud flourishes. So, you need to keep yourlsef and your young ones updated about such scams.

Safe measures like meeting in person, using in-app systems, and being aware of scam visuals count can help you avoid common pitfals. Moroever, Fraudsters on OfferUp count on users who fail to follow thesesteps.

It is up to the individual user to be safe in this digital world. OfferUp offers useful features, but the bottom line is in alertness. Be alert and act according to instinct and report any kind of suspicious activity.

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