10 OfferUp Scams and How You Can Protect Yourself

July 7, 2025 By Nick Anderson No Comments 6 minutes

Online stores like OfferUp have revolutionized local shopping and trading, including electronics and furniture trade at cheap prices. The negative part of the popularity of OfferUp is the scams, though. Even the ease of use of the app is abused by scammers who fool people into getting fooled, losing money, and causing frustration.

OfferUp Scams

Note: When using OfferUp, consider using FastestVPN to protect your data while browsing. Encrypting your internet connection protects your payment information, your address, and other sensitive details from prying eyes.

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What are OfferUp Scams

OfferUp scam offers deceptive practices whereby scammers disguise themselves as legitimate buyers or sellers in an attempt to misinform users. These scams can vary from false advertisements to payment scams that take advantage of the trust of users on the platform. OfferUp has millions of users on it, and it is a major goal of such scams, which is all the more reason the consumer should be wary.

Common Tactics Used in OfferUp Scams

To avoid scams on OfferUp, it’s helpful to know how they operate. Here are some frequent tricks scammers pull:

Bogus Listings

Scammers post ads about things such as mobile phones or gaming consoles at a low rate, which every buyer could hardly believe. Once baited, the scammer would ask for an upfront payment and disappear without ever sending anything. These ads usually come with stolen images or vague descriptions in order to lure in the victims.

Overpayment Tricks

A buyer might send a payment larger than the agreed price, claiming it was an error. They then ask the seller to refund the extra amount, often through a different method. Later, the original payment bounces (like a fake check or stolen card), leaving the seller shortchanged.

Phishing Attempts

Scammers send fake messages or emails posing as OfferUp, urging users to share personal details or click shady links. These attempts aim to snag login info or financial data. FastestVPN can help by hiding your IP address and securing your connection, making it tougher for scammers to track you.

Non-Delivery Fraud

In these OfferUp scams, sellers take payment but never ship the item. Buyers might get fake tracking numbers or excuses about delays, only to realize they’ve been had.

Fake Products

Some scammers sell counterfeit goods, passing them off as the real deal. For instance, a buyer might think they’re getting a legit iPhone but end up with a cheap knockoff. This scam is tricky to spot until the item arrives.

Payment Method Dodges

Scammers often push for payment methods with little buyer protection, like wire transfers, gift cards, or crypto. These make it nearly impossible to recover money if things go south.

Does OfferUp Cover Scams?

Many users wonder: Does OfferUp cover scams? The platform offers some safeguards, but they’re limited. OfferUp’s policies encourage safe deals through its in-app payment system, which includes buyer protection for qualifying purchases. However, this only applies to transactions made through OfferUp’s official payment and shipping services.

If you pay outside the app, like with cash, PayPal, or Venmo, or meet in person, OfferUp’s protections don’t apply. Recovering money lost to scams on OfferUp in these cases is tough, as the platform can’t control external deals. OfferUp urges users to report suspicious behavior, but it doesn’t promise refunds for scam-related losses.

To boost your safety, use FastestVPN when accessing OfferUp, especially on public Wi-Fi. It secures your connection, lowering the chance of data theft by scammers.

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Spotting OfferUp Scams

Catching OfferUp scams early can save you from trouble. Watch for these warning signs:

Unbelievably Low Prices: If a deal looks too cheap to be real, it probably is. Check similar listings to see if the price makes sense.
Rushed Deals: Scammers often pressure you to act fast, saying the item will sell quickly or pushing for instant payment.
Fishy Messages: Look out for poor grammar, generic replies, or requests to chat outside of OfferUp, like via email or text.
Unverified Accounts: Review the buyer’s or seller’s profile for feedback, ratings, or verification badges. New or unverified accounts are riskier.
Odd Payment Demands: Be cautious if someone insists on paying with gift cards, wire transfers, or other unprotected methods.

Staying Safe from Scams on OfferUp

Dodging scams on OfferUp takes a bit of effort. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Stick to In-App Payments

Whenever possible, use OfferUp’s built-in payment system. It offers buyer protection for eligible deals and lowers fraud risks. Steer clear of cash, wire transfers, or apps like PayPal or Venmo.

Meet in Secure Spots

For face-to-face deals, pick busy, well-lit locations, ideally OfferUp Safe Trade Spots (often at police stations or community centers). Never give out your home address to strangers.

Check the Other Person

Look at the buyer’s or seller’s profile for reviews, ratings, and verification. Accounts with no history or feedback are a red flag.

Inspect Items Carefully

For in-person deals, examine the item thoroughly before paying. Test gadgets, verify authenticity, and ensure they match the listing.

Secure Your Connection

When using OfferUp, especially on public Wi-Fi, rely on FastestVPN to encrypt your data. This keeps your personal info safe from hackers who might snoop on unsecured networks.

Go with Your Gut

If a deal or person seems off, don’t proceed. Scammers count on rushing you into bad decisions.

Use FastestVPN to Stay Safe

Tech tools can make a big difference in avoiding scams. FastestVPN is a must for protecting your info on OfferUp. It hides your IP address, encrypts your data, and stops hackers from grabbing sensitive details like login credentials or payment info. Whether you’re checking listings at a café or finalizing a deal at home, FastestVPN keeps your activity private.

Also, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for your OfferUp account to add extra security. Keep your passwords fresh and unique across platforms.

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Reporting OfferUp Scams

If you run into an OfferUp scam, report it through the app right away. Find the listing or message, hit “Report,” and share details about the problem. OfferUp’s Trust and Safety team will look into it, and the scammer’s account might get banned. If you’ve lost money, you can also report to local police or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

FAQs

What do I do if I get scammed on OfferUp?

Report the scam to OfferUp via the app immediately. If you paid with a credit card or a protected method, contact your bank or payment provider to dispute the charge. File a report with local police or the FTC if needed.

Does OfferUp cover scams for in-person deals?

No, OfferUp does not cover scams for in-person deals or payments made outside its system. Buyer protection only applies to purchases made through OfferUp’s in-app payment and shipping services.

How can I check if a seller is legit on OfferUp?

Look at the seller’s profile for reviews, ratings, and verification badges. Avoid accounts with no history or feedback. Stick to in-app communication to keep a record.

What’s the safest way to pay on OfferUp?

Use OfferUp’s in-app payment system for eligible purchases, as it offers buyer protection. Avoid cash, wire transfers, gift cards, or crypto, as these are hard to recover if scammed.

Can FastestVPN stop OfferUp scams?

FastestVPN can’t directly stop OfferUp scams, but it secures your connection, protecting your data from hackers, especially on public Wi-Fi. This reduces risks like phishing or data theft.

Final Words!

OfferUp scams are a reality of online marketplaces, but you can stay safe with the right know-how. By spotting common scams on OfferUp, using secure payment methods, and leveraging tools like FastestVPN, you can trade with confidence. While OfferUp does cover scams to a degree through its buyer protection, it’s limited to in-app deals, so caution is key.