OfferUp is a popular marketplace where people can buy and sell items. While the platform offers a convenient way to find deals and sell items without hassle, its convenience doesn’t come without risks. Just like other online marketplaces, such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay, you need to be aware of the common scams. Keep on reading to learn how these scams work and how to stay safe.

Is OfferUp Safe?

OfferUp is a 100% legitimate platform for buying and selling items. However, no online marketplace is completely free from scams. Check below for six scams you need to be aware of on OfferUp.

6 Common OfferUp Scams

1. Phishing Scams
2. Overpayment Scams
3. Multiple Listings Scams
4. Google Voice Scams
5. Empty Box Scams
6. Alternative Payment Scams

#1: Phishing Scams

OfferUp phishing scams often involve scammers sending messages with links to fake websites that closely resemble the official OfferUp site. These counterfeit sites are designed to steal your login credentials and personal information. Scammers might entice you to click on these deceptive links by claiming that a listing has been updated or an item’s price has been reduced.

#2: Overpayment Scams

This is a scam that affects sellers rather than buyers. In this scam, a scammer might offer to pay using an unconventional method outside OfferUp’s internal payment system. After you agree, the scammer sends an amount that exceeds the item’s price, then requests a refund of the surplus. Unfortunately, the initial payment is often fraudulent or will be canceled as soon as you refund the excess money, leaving you out of pocket and without your item.

#3: Multiple Listings Scams

To increase their chances of making fraudulent sales, scammers sometimes list the same item multiple times across various profiles and platforms. To detect such scams, do a reverse image search using the images in the listing. If the same image appears under different seller names or on various sites, it’s likely a scam. Additionally, if you notice multiple listings of the same item on a seller’s profile with slight variations in keywords or descriptions, proceed with caution.

#4: Google Voice Scams

If someone on OfferUp asks to verify your identity with a code sent to your phone, be extremely wary. They may claim it’s for security reasons but they likely actually intend to set up a Google Voice account with your number, which allows them to reroute calls and potentially scam others using your identity.

To learn how Google Voice scams work, click here.

#5: Empty Box Scams

Empty box scams involve listings for items like video game consoles or video games at unusually low prices. If you purchase one of these listings, you might receive just an empty box or a photo of the item instead of the actual product. Scammers conducting these scams may use misleading wording in their listings, such as “photo,” to protect themselves when a dispute arises. To avoid falling victim to these scams, always check the listing details very closely and request additional information from the seller if anything seems unclear. Always make sure you’re fully aware of what you’re buying to prevent any surprises upon delivery.

#6: Alternative Payment Scams

These scams happen when scammers request payment through methods such as wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. These payment methods typically offer little to no protection for you, making it difficult to recover funds if the transaction goes awry. To protect yourself, always use OfferUp’s internal payment system and be highly wary of sellers who insist on using alternative payment options.

OfferUp Scams: Red Flags

Here are some of the red flags you need to watch out for:

• Suspicious links: Avoid clicking on links in messages, especially ones that mention listing updates or price changes.
• Overpayment requests: Be wary if a buyer overpays and asks for a refund. The payment may be fraudulent.
• Repeated listings: Be suspicious if the same item appears multiple times under different profiles or on various platforms.
• Verification codes: Never share verification codes sent to your phone because it may be part of a scam.
• Unusually low prices: Be cautious of items listed at significantly low prices; the seller might only send an empty box or a photo.
• Unconventional payment requests: Avoid using payment methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Stick to OfferUp’s internal payment system.

Protect Yourself Against OfferUp Scams with Trend Micro Check

With the increasing number and sophistication of scams, staying one step ahead is more crucial than ever. Introducing the newly updated Trend Micro Check! Available for both Android and iOS, Trend Micro Check offers comprehensive protection from deceptive scams, spam and scam text messages, deepfakes, and more:

• Scam Check: Instantly analyze emails, texts, URLs, screenshots, and phone numbers with our AI-powered scam detection technology. Stay secure and scam-free.
• SMS Filter & Call Block: Say goodbye to unwanted spam and scam calls and messages. Minimize daily disruptions and reinforce your defenses against phishing.
• Deepfake Scan: Detect deepfakes in real time during video calls, alerting you if anyone is using AI face-swapping technology to alter their appearance.
• Web Guard: Surf the web safely, protected from malicious websites and annoying ads.

To download Trend Micro Check or to learn more, click the button below.

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