Your safety and security are OfferUp's top priority. You can protect yourself by learning how to spot scams and avoid being taken advantage of. While we can’t list every potential scam, here are some of the most common scenarios to look out for.
Click this link or log in to this website
It’s likely a scam if a buyer or seller sends you a link to view an item, make a payment, or verify information on another website. These messages may look convincing using official logos or urgent language. For example, the message might say something like “Click this link to get paid” or “Click to verify your info,” which can take you to a fake website that asks for your login credentials, payment details, or other sensitive information.
Safety tip: Never click on links that take you off the OfferUp platform. All legitimate OfferUp links will contain “offerup.com” in the URL. Never log in to untrustworthy websites or share sensitive info. If you believe you may have entered your banking information on a fraudulent site, contact your bank immediately. For more tips on keeping your account secure, see Tips to maintain a secure account.
Send me a verification code
It’s likely a scam if a buyer asks you for a verification code and says it’s so they can verify your listing. This typically means that they’re trying to log into your account and need the code to get past the two-step verification feature.
Safety tip: Never share verification codes or one-time passwords with anyone. OfferUp does not send verification codes to verify listings. Sharing codes can lead to account takeovers and compromise your sensitive information.
Send me a down payment
It may be a scam if a local seller posts a large or heavy item, like a sofa, and offers to deliver the item to you as a perk. But, they won’t let you inspect the item in person before you buy it. And, they won’t deliver the item until you send them a small down payment or deposit. Once they get your money, they never deliver the item.
Safety tip: For local items, never pay in advance. You should always meet up to inspect an item before you pay for it. If a local seller won’t let you look at an item before buying it, avoid them. If they ask for an upfront deposit or to send money, ditch them and find a new seller to work with.
Price is too good to be true
It’s likely a scam when a seller posts a brand name item at an unreal price. Scammers use low prices to lure in potential victims. For example, they may post a new iPhone 15 Pro for $50. But, the phone sells for $1,000 brand new. It’s doubtful that an iPhone 15 (new or used) would be priced so low. Plus, they only use stock images on their listing because they don’t actually have the phone. If the price is too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.
Safety tip: Do your research. Check the seller’s OfferUp profile to see if they have a good reputation. Check their item listing. Do they provide enough detail about the item? Do they use real photos or stock photos? Look up the item’s retail price. Is the seller’s price realistic? If you’re suspicious, it’s best to avoid them and find a new seller.
Investment opportunity
It’s likely a scam if a seller posts a listing about an “investment opportunity” or an "easy way to make money.” But to take advantage of the opportunity, they ask you to send them money first.
Safety tip: Avoid any listings or sellers that talk about investment opportunities, money-making schemes, or pyramid schemes. These types of listings are not allowed on OfferUp. If you come across one, please report it to OfferUp so we can remove it from our platform.
I'll pay more than the asking price
It’s likely a scam when a buyer offers to pay more than the listed price for your item. They usually follow up by asking you to pay through a third-party cash app before meeting in person.
Safety tip: Avoid these types of transactions as they are very likely scams. Scammers may entice you with an overpayment, but what they’re trying to do is get your item without paying you at all.
Send me a gift card
It’s likely a scam when a buyer asks if they can pay you in gift cards for your item, rather than in cash. This means they may be trying to give you fake or worthless gift cards in exchange for your item. Additionally, beware if a buyer asks for any type of refund in the form of gift cards. They use this tactic to get you to send them free money.
Safety tip: If you’re selling an item, only accept cash. Additionally, beware of buyers or sellers who ask you to send them gift cards (electronic or physical) for any reason.
Report scams to OfferUp
If you experience any of the above scams or potential new ones, please report them to OfferUp so we can take action to protect the community. If you’ve encountered illegal activity, we recommend you also contact your local authorities. To learn more see, Reporting a crime.