How to Avoid Scams on OfferUp: 9 Signs a Listing Might Be Fake
Published by SureBuy.io Team
OfferUp is one of the most popular peer-to-peer marketplaces for buying and selling used items locally. But with its popularity comes a growing number of scams designed to trick unsuspecting buyers. From fake listings to shady payment schemes, knowing what to look for can help you avoid getting ripped off.
Here are nine signs that a listing on OfferUp might be fake — and what you can do to protect yourself.
1. The Price Is Way Too Low
Scammers often use suspiciously low prices to lure in buyers quickly. If you see an expensive item listed for a fraction of its normal cost — like a $1,000 iPhone for $150 — it’s a major red flag. The goal is to create a sense of urgency so you act fast without asking too many questions. While everyone loves a good deal, absurdly low prices are usually bait.
Always compare the listing to similar ones on OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay. If the price is significantly lower than what others are charging for the same item in similar condition, be cautious. Remember the old saying: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers rely on emotional buying — don’t fall for the trap.
2. The Seller Pushes You Off the App
One of the most common scam tactics on OfferUp is trying to move the conversation off-platform. A seller might say, “Can we text instead?” or “Message me on WhatsApp.” While this might sound convenient, it’s often a way to avoid OfferUp’s built-in safety features and accountability. Scammers know they’re more likely to succeed if they operate outside the app.
Staying on OfferUp’s messaging system gives you a record of your communication and access to user protections. It also allows OfferUp to step in if something goes wrong. Unless you’ve already met the person and feel confident in the transaction, there’s no reason to leave the platform — and it could be a costly mistake if you do.
3. The Photos Look Like Stock Images
Legitimate sellers usually snap a few quick photos of the actual item they’re selling. If all the photos look perfectly staged, overly polished, or identical to what you’d see in an ad, they could be copied from the internet. Scammers often steal images from product listings or manufacturer sites to make their fake listing look more convincing.
To check, try doing a reverse image search using Google Images or TinEye. If the same photo appears in multiple places online — especially on big retail sites — it’s likely a scam. Ask the seller for additional photos or a custom shot (e.g., with a piece of paper that says today's date). If they can’t or won’t provide them, walk away.
4. There’s a Sense of Urgency or Pressure
Scammers rely on pressure tactics to get you to act fast. They may say things like, “I have other buyers interested,” or “I need to sell this today.” While urgency is sometimes legitimate, especially if someone is moving or needs fast cash, it should never override your need to verify the item and seller first.
Take a breath and resist the pressure. A trustworthy seller won’t mind answering questions or waiting a bit while you make a decision. If the person keeps rushing you or insists on skipping steps like meeting in person or inspecting the item, it’s likely they’re trying to scam you before you realize what’s happening.
5. The Seller Has No Ratings or Reviews
OfferUp profiles with no history, no ratings, and no profile picture should be treated with caution. While everyone has to start somewhere, scammers frequently create new accounts to hide their past behavior or avoid getting flagged. A blank or barely filled-out profile should raise questions.
Before making any commitment, tap on the seller’s profile to see their history. Have they sold anything else? Do they have ratings from previous buyers? A seller with multiple good reviews is generally more trustworthy than someone who just created their account last week. If you're dealing with a new profile, ask more questions and consider meeting in a public place with extra caution.
6. They Ask for a Deposit Upfront
One of the most obvious scam attempts is when a seller asks you to send money before you see the item in person. This can come in the form of a small deposit to "hold" the item or a full payment through a third-party app like Cash App, Zelle, or Venmo. Once you send money, it’s often gone for good — and the seller disappears.
Never send a deposit for an item on OfferUp. Real sellers are usually fine with meeting in person for a cash transaction. If someone insists on a pre-payment, even for something small, it’s a strong sign they’re trying to take your money without delivering anything. Always meet face-to-face, and only pay once you’ve verified the item is real.
7. The Description Is Vague or Poorly Written
Legit sellers tend to write clear, specific descriptions because they want their items to sell. If a listing just says “Like new, works great,” with no details about the model, condition, or included accessories, it could be a sign of a lazy scam post. Scammers copy and paste generic blurbs so they can post quickly and move on.
Look for listings that include the brand, model number, purchase date, reason for selling, and any flaws. If that information is missing, ask the seller about it. Their response — or lack of one — can help you decide whether the listing is real. A vague or evasive reply is a red flag that you may be dealing with a scammer.
8. The Item Location Doesn’t Match the Seller’s Profile
Sometimes scammers will post items in one city but have a profile based in a completely different location. For example, the listing might say “Miami,” but their profile shows they’re in Chicago. This kind of mismatch is often a result of reposting the same fake listing across multiple cities to cast a wide net.
You can also spot this by checking how long the seller has been active in your area. If they only just showed up or are constantly changing locations, proceed with caution. Always verify the meet-up spot and avoid long-distance purchases on OfferUp. It’s a platform built for local, in-person deals — use that to your advantage.
9. Your Gut Tells You Something’s Off
Sometimes the warning signs aren’t concrete — just a feeling that something isn’t right. Maybe the seller’s tone is strange, the item seems too perfect, or the interaction is oddly fast. Your instincts are a powerful tool, especially when you’ve seen enough listings to know what normal looks like.
If you feel even a little uneasy, trust your gut and move on. There are plenty of other listings, and no deal is worth the risk. When in doubt, use a tool like SureBuy.io to get a second opinion. Our AI can help you spot scams by analyzing the listing and seller messages, giving you added confidence before you commit.
Stay Safe with SureBuy.io
Navigating OfferUp safely means knowing what to watch for — but you don’t have to do it alone. SureBuy.io is a free AI tool that helps buyers instantly scan listings and seller conversations for red flags, pricing issues, and potential scams. Just copy and paste the listing or chat and let SureBuy analyze the risk in seconds.
Want to feel more confident shopping secondhand? Use SureBuy.io to spot scams and get pricing insights instantly.
About the Author
The SureBuy.io Team shares practical advice on safer online shopping, from avoiding scams to spotting overpriced listings. SureBuy.io is a free AI tool built to help buyers shop smarter on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craigslist, and beyond.