This article contains a guide to avoiding scams when shopping using the OfferUp app on Android. This guide is intended for English language applications.
Step
Step 1. Check buyer and seller reviews
Go to the user's profile to see the number of stars. Swipe down to read the reviews he received. The more stars he gets, the better rating that user gets.
- The rating number is next to the star.
- Only positive reviews are shown publicly. Reviews that appear contain only phrases like “Communicative,” and “Item as described,” instead of full sentences.
Step 2. Look for the TruYou badge
Once the buyer or seller has verified their identity using TruYou, a verification badge will appear in the lower right corner of the profile photo. To get this badge, users must upload a photo of their ID card, as well as a selfie to prove that they are the person in the photo. The user must also verify his phone number via text message.
Step 3. Communicate only through OfferUp
The entire communication process must take place in the OfferUp app. Never give out your phone number or email address to other users. If the buyer or seller asks you to contact them via a different service or app, politely decline.
Step 4. Avoid users who offer get-rich-quick schemes
If an OfferUp user entices you to join in an overly lucrative investment or business, that user may be a fraud. Make sure you and the buyer or seller only talk about the item being sold.
Step 5. Make sure you only accept or use OfferUp-approved payment methods
When buying or selling something outright, make a cash payment. Do not make transactions with MoneyGram, Western Union, PayPal, Venmo, gift cards, account transfers, or checks. All of these payment methods can be used to deceive you.
- When buying or selling something that requires a shipping fee, the transaction must still be processed through OfferUp. Do not make transactions through other services.
- If you receive a check from an OfferUp user, do not cash it. Fraudsters will generally send you a large, but fake, check.
Step 6. Have a meeting at a place that has been determined by OfferUp
OfferUp works closely with local companies and police stations to ensure its users stay safe. OfferUp's designated locations have sufficient CCTV lighting to ensure your stay is safe.
- To find this meeting place, open the buyer or seller message window and tap the icon Location (shaped like an inverted tear) at the bottom of the screen. The meeting place is highlighted in green.
- To set a meeting place, touch the green icon, then touch Send in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Once you arrive at the meeting place, look for the green OfferUp sign. Make sure the buying and selling process is done near the sign.
Step 7. Report attempted fraud and suspicious activity to OfferUp
To report a user, touch their profile photo to go to the profile page. After that, touch Report (flag icon) located at the top of the screen. OfferUp advises its users to report the following cases:
- Harassing words or actions
- Selling fake stuff
- Not coming at the meeting place
- Try or use a fictitious payment method.
- Offer items that do not comply with OfferUp guidelines.
