Is OfferUp Safe in 2025? Scam Protection & Buyer Safety Tips

Published on May 4, 2025 by SureBuy.io Team

OfferUp has quickly become one of the most popular local marketplaces for buying and selling everything from electronics to furniture. But as its user base grows, so do concerns: Is OfferUp safe? Is it legit? What kinds of scams should I look out for?

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common OfferUp scams, how to identify a legit seller, and what kinds of protection — if any — are available to you as a buyer.

Is OfferUp Safe?

OfferUp is generally safe when used carefully. The app includes features like user ratings, verified profiles, and in-app messaging — but scams can still occur if you’re not paying attention to red flags or try to move transactions off the platform.

Your safety largely depends on how you use OfferUp, who you deal with, and whether you follow basic safety practices.

Is OfferUp Legit?

Yes — OfferUp is a legit company and platform. It’s used by millions of people every month and offers both local pickup and shipping options. That said, the openness of the platform means some bad actors slip through.

Just like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, it’s up to you to verify sellers and protect yourself before sending money or arranging meetups.

Common OfferUp Scams

Here are some of the most frequent OfferUp scam tactics to be aware of:

• Sellers asking for payment through Zelle, Cash App, or gift cards
• Fake accounts using stolen images to post too-good-to-be-true deals
• Buyers sending fake payment confirmations
• Broken, counterfeit, or completely different items upon delivery
• Shipping fraud — seller claims item was sent but provides fake tracking

How to Avoid Scams on OfferUp

• Only communicate through the app — avoid email or texting off-platform
• Don’t send money until you’ve seen and verified the item in person
• Use OfferUp’s “TruYou” and rating system to vet sellers
• Meet in public locations (police stations are ideal)
• Use SureBuy.io to check listings and seller language for red flags

Is It Safe to Buy from OfferUp?

Yes, it is safe to buy from OfferUp as long as you follow smart practices. Most users are honest, but trust should always be earned — not assumed.

Inspect items carefully, pay securely, and don’t let anyone pressure you into skipping steps.

How to Know If an OfferUp Seller Is Legit

• They have positive ratings and a verified TruYou badge
• They respond clearly and don’t avoid questions
• They agree to meet in public and show the item
• They don’t push for alternate payment methods

Be extra cautious with new or unverified accounts, especially for high-value items.

Does OfferUp Offer Buyer Protection?

Yes — OfferUp offers buyer protection but only under certain conditions:

• The item was purchased and shipped through the OfferUp app
• You file a claim within 2 days of delivery
• The item is significantly not as described or never arrives

Local, in-person transactions are not covered by OfferUp’s protection policy.

OfferUp Buyer Protection Policy Summary

Covered	Not Covered
Shipped items with in-app payment	In-person transactions
Items not as described or never delivered	Payments via Zelle, Venmo, Cash App

How to Report a Scam on OfferUp

1. Tap the listing or user profile
2. Click the three-dot icon and select “Report”
3. Choose the reason (e.g., “Scam or fraud”) and submit

If money was already exchanged, file a dispute with your payment provider and report the incident to reportfraud.ftc.gov.

SureBuy.io helps you stay safe on OfferUp — run a listing through our tool to flag suspicious phrases and evaluate risk before messaging a seller.

Final Thoughts

Is OfferUp safe in 2025? Yes — but only when you stay alert and use the tools available to you. Between in-app ratings, buyer protection for shipped orders, and third-party tools like SureBuy.io, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting scammed.

Not sure about a listing? Try SureBuy.io for a free risk scan and negotiation tips before you buy.

---

Also read: Is Craigslist Safe in 2025?