OfferUp vs Facebook Marketplace – Which Is Safer in 2025?

Published on February 20, 2025 by SureBuy.io Team

Buying or selling locally online? Two of the most popular apps in 2025 are OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace—but which is safer? In this article, we compare both platforms based on security features, scam risks, payment systems, and how SureBuy.io can help protect you on either one.

1. Safety Features Comparison: OfferUp vs Facebook

OfferUp includes in-app identity verification (via TruYou), optional badges, and a messaging system that doesn't expose your personal info. It also offers user ratings and verified profiles to improve trust between buyers and sellers.

Facebook Marketplace relies on Facebook profiles, which can help determine legitimacy—but fake profiles are still common. Messenger is used for communication, but it also exposes your real identity. Facebook doesn’t have built-in ID verification like OfferUp.

2. Common Scams on Each Platform

On Facebook Marketplace, scams often involve fake shipping confirmations, payment fraud (like Zelle scams), or cloned listings from other platforms. Since Marketplace is tied to social profiles, scammers may also attempt social engineering.

OfferUp has fewer scams per volume, but users still encounter issues like phantom sellers, bait-and-switch pricing, and requests to move conversations off the app (a common red flag).

3. Payment and Shipping Security

Facebook Marketplace does not offer native payment protection unless the transaction is completed through checkout on select listings (mainly for Facebook Shops). Most local transactions happen via cash or direct transfer, which offers no recourse if something goes wrong.

OfferUp supports in-app payments and shipping with buyer protection, which makes it slightly more secure for long-distance deals. However, these features are not enabled by default on all listings.

4. User Verification & Trust Signals

OfferUp's TruYou system adds a verified badge to user profiles, which can improve trust—especially for new users. The app also encourages rating others after transactions, which builds up long-term seller/buyer credibility.

Facebook Marketplace profiles often lack ratings for Marketplace activity. While mutual friends and group participation can signal legitimacy, it’s easy to fake an identity or create a throwaway account.

5. How SureBuy.io Protects You on Both Platforms

SureBuy.io works on any listing from either platform. Just paste the description or message text into our AI-powered tool, and we’ll scan it for:

• Scam language and suspicious red flags
• Unusual pricing or vague descriptions
• Low trust signals based on marketplace-specific patterns
• Negotiation tips and follow-up questions

Whether you’re buying a couch on Facebook or selling a laptop on OfferUp, SureBuy.io can help you make smarter, safer decisions.

Ready to protect yourself on your next marketplace deal? Try SureBuy.io now.