Latest 9 OfferUp Scams to Avoid

What is OfferUp?

OfferUp is a popular platform for instant local buying and selling, ranging from smoothie blenders to cars, furniture, and electronics. It offers a convenient way to declutter your home, find great deals, and make some extra cash. Unfortunately, scammers have also taken note of the platform’s popularity, leading to OfferUp scams. Below are the latest OfferUp scams to avoid.

Are there scams on OfferUp?

Yes, there are scams on OfferUp. Scammers are lurking on online marketplaces, but you can protect yourself simply by learning about these OfferUp scam red flags. If you want an expert to

Top 9 OfferUp Scams to Avoid

• Messaging outside the OfferUp app
  • OfferUp provides messaging for a reason–it’s safe and secure. If you give out your phone number or email address, they can use your personal information to target you for scams or steal your identity. 
• Asking for a verification code
  • OfferUp does not ask for verification codes to verify posts. If they ask for your phone number to send a verification code, this is likely a scam. 
• Receive a link that requires you to log in
  • OfferUp has processes in place within its platform to make transactions seamless. You will not need to log into another page to complete the transaction.
• Offer to pay for shipping fees
  • OfferUp creates itemized receipts for transactions to show every fee. When shipping an item through OfferUp, sellers get paid through OfferUp’s payment processors. There is no need to go through a third party. 
• Request payment on another platform
  • OfferUp has its own payment system that is traceable and secure. If they request payment through a service like CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal, it is no longer traceable to that transaction. 
• Overpay or offer more than the listed price
  • Sometimes, they say the overpayment is for movers who will come and transport the item, or they say it was a mistake and ask you to refund the excess amount. Oftentimes, the initial payment is fake, and you’ll be out for the entire amount. 
• Send you an invoice
  • They may claim that the transaction will be facilitated on another platform. Remember, OfferUp is set up so you’ll see any fees and payments for any transaction right in the app.
• Offer something too good to be true
  • They create fake listings for high-demand items at incredibly low prices to lure you in. Once you show interest, they will say they “need to sell fast,” ask for money upfront, and then disappear. 
• Ask you to send money for an “investment opportunity”
  • If they offer you an “easy way to make money” where you have to send them money, this is probably a scam and you should avoid them. 

Based on these red flags, you can see that it is not just buyers who can be scammed on this marketplace, it is possible to be scammed as a seller too. 

Can you get scammed on OfferUp shipping?

When buying or selling to strangers online, there is always a risk of being scammed. For OfferUp shipping, scammers will try to complicate the transaction process. Scammers will often say that they will pay the shipping fee and invoice the shipping fees later, which usually turns out to be a ridiculous ask.

What to do if you get scammed on OfferUp?

Discovering that you’ve fallen for a scam on OfferUp can be distressing, but it’s essential to take immediate action to minimize any further damage and increase the chances of resolving the issue.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Cease Communication: If you suspect you’re dealing with a scammer, stop contacting them immediately. Do not respond to their messages or calls.

2. Save All Communication: Keep records of all messages, emails, or any other correspondence with the scammer. These records can be valuable when reporting the scam to law enforcement or OfferUp.

3. Report the Scam to OfferUp:

• Open OfferUp app or website.
• Find the conversation or listing related to the scam.
• Click on the “…” or “Report” option within the conversation or listing.
• Follow the prompts to report the issue to OfferUp.

OfferUp takes scams seriously and will investigate reported incidents to take appropriate action.

4. Contact Law Enforcement: If you’ve suffered financial loss or believe the scam may involve illegal activity, contact your local law enforcement agency and provide them with all relevant information to file a report. Be sure to show them the messages with the scammer.

5. Notify Your Bank or Payment Provider: If you made a payment to the scammer, contact your bank or payment provider immediately. They help you dispute the charges and potentially recover your money.

6. Change Passwords: If you provided any login credentials or personal information to the scammer, change your passwords immediately. This includes your OfferUp account and any other accounts that may be at risk.

7. Check Your Credit: If the scam involved sharing sensitive financial information, consider monitoring your credit reports for any unauthorized activity. You can request a free credit report from each of the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

8. Educate Yourself: Use the experience as an opportunity to learn about common online scams and how to avoid them in the future. Staying informed is the best way to protect yourself from falling victim to scams. We keep you updated here at Hogo!

Does OfferUp Provide Protection for Buyers?

As a buyer, you have the option to file a claim for any shipped purchase if you encounter an issue with your item. However, they do suggest reaching out to the seller first and requesting a refund as it usually leads to a quicker resolution. If that doesn’t work, you can always file a 2-Day Purchase Protection claim. 

Visit the OfferUp page to see what it covered and how to file a claim. 

Is OfferUp a scam?

OfferUp has several policies and processes in place to make sure that their platform is safe for buyers and sellers. If you follow their instructions and stay within their parameters, you will be protected. 

OfferUp can be an excellent platform for buying and selling items locally, but it’s crucial to stay vigilant and informed about potential scams. By following the tips outlined in this blog, you can minimize your risk of falling victim to OfferUp scams and enjoy a safer and more secure online marketplace experience. Remember that your safety and security should always be a top priority, whether you’re decluttering your home or searching for great deals.

Luckily, Hogo offers ScamAssist tool to help users identify, investigate, or report scams. Check it out if you need assistance from an expert.

And If you’re trying to sell something on OfferUp and you found yourself doing any of these red flags, people will think you are a scammer. Don’t do this. Just go through the normal processes, please.

Categorised in: Scams

This post was written by Adrian Yang