OfferUp scams: fake buyers, deposits and payment links to watch for
Quick answer
OfferUp scams usually involve a buyer or seller who wants money before you meet or a payment sent off the app. OfferUp says deals happen in person, it doesn't send payment instructions in chat, and cash after inspecting the item is safest.
- Pretends to be
- OfferUp
- Last updated
How it works
OfferUp is a real marketplace, and scammers use it as a hunting ground. OfferUp's help center describes patterns such as a seller who wants a deposit before delivering a large item and then disappears, and messages that pretend to come from OfferUp.
OfferUp says all transactions take place in person and the app doesn't process payments, so a request to send money first is a warning sign. It also says OfferUp never sends payment instructions through chat and doesn't send verification codes to verify listings.
For sellers, OfferUp recommends cash and advises against checks, gift cards, wire transfers and cryptocurrency. Payment apps such as Zelle, Venmo or PayPal are safer than checks or gift cards but still carry risk.
Red flags
- A seller who asks for a deposit or full payment before you can see the item
- A buyer or seller pushing you to pay with a gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency
- A message that claims to be OfferUp and sends payment instructions or a verification code request
- Shipping offered on an item meant for local pickup
- Pressure to move the conversation off the app
Example message
Hi, I'm interested in your listing. I'm out of town so I'll have my shipper pick it up. I'll send payment through [link]. Please confirm your email so OfferUp can release the funds.
What to do
- 1
Meet in person and pay after inspecting
OfferUp says deals happen in person. Don't pay a deposit or send money in advance.
- 2
Ignore payment instructions in chat
OfferUp says it doesn't send payment instructions through chat or verification codes to verify listings. Never share a code.
- 3
If you paid, contact your payment provider now
Ask your bank, card issuer or payment app to stop or reverse the payment, and save the chat and receipts.
- 4
If you entered a password on a fake page, change it
Change your OfferUp password and any account that shares it. Our guide on what to do after a data breach covers the steps.
- 5
Report the user
Use OfferUp's report option on the user or listing, then file a report with the FTC.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers rarely pick targets at random. Your name, number, address and email are sold by data brokers, listed on people-search sites and leaked in breaches, and that is what lets a message use your real details. Serus finds where your details are listed and requests removal, and alerts you when your data shows up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you. Marketplace scammers also use the phone number or email in your listing to contact you outside the app.
Frequently asked
Does OfferUp process payments in the app?
OfferUp's help center says it doesn't process payments through the app and that transactions take place in person.
Is it safe to get paid with Zelle, Venmo or PayPal?
OfferUp says app payments are safer than checks or gift cards but still carry risks. Cash is recommended for sellers.
Someone claiming to be OfferUp sent me a link. Is it real?
OfferUp says it never sends payment instructions through chat. Don't use the link and report the user.
I paid a seller who never delivered. What now?
Contact your payment provider right away, report the user to OfferUp and file with the FTC.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
