OfferUp scams: spot the fake buyer in one line
Editorially reviewed · Last updated September 8, 2026
Yes — this is a scam. OfferUp says it in writing: it does not send verification codes to verify listings. Anyone asking for one is logging into your account.
Exhibit · Text message
Other versions you might get: OfferUp lists the whole family on its own scam page: a link to “view an item” or “get paid” on a site that isn't offerup.com; a seller who'll deliver a sofa but wants a deposit first and won't let you inspect it; a brand-new iPhone at $50 with nothing but stock photos; a listing pitching an investment opportunity that needs money up front; a buyer who overpays and wants the difference back; a buyer who'd rather pay in gift cards. Different opening line, same finish: money or a code before you can verify anything.
What to do right now
- Do not share sign-in or account-linking codes with a buyer. A listing-verification pretext can hide an attempt to access or link an account; the exact effect depends on which service sent the code.
- Don't follow links out of the app. OfferUp says all legitimate OfferUp links contain offerup.com in the URL, and that a link to view an item, make a payment or verify information on another site is likely a scam. If you already entered banking details on one, call your bank now.
- Keep your number and email to yourself. OfferUp recommends staying in its own messaging rather than giving out a phone number or email — that keeps your contact details private and out of reach of account-takeover attempts.
- Meet in public, take cash, inspect first. OfferUp recommends its official Community MeetUp Spots — often outside businesses or police stations — during normal business hours in daylight; you can check whether a location is one at safetradespots.com. Its advice to sellers is to accept cash only, and to decline last-minute requests to relocate, a tactic used to move people somewhere unsafe.
- Report it. Report the user to OfferUp through its report tools so it can act on the account, then file at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you lost money or felt unsafe at a meetup, contact local law enforcement too.
Reduce the risk of another scam
Do not use the message’s link to check the claim. Open the real service yourself. If you paid or shared account details, start with what to do after a scam. Blocking and reporting can reduce unwanted contact, but they cannot stop every attempt or tell you how the sender found you.
● Public service · free steps first
Take the free protection steps first
A suspicious message does not tell us how someone found your details. If you shared personal information, start with the official recovery guidance. You can also freeze your credit for free.
- Freeze your credit — free at all three bureausRestricts access to your credit report for new credit applications. It does not protect existing accounts from misuse.
- Report it and get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.govThe FTC walks you through exactly what to do next, for free.
Decide what protection you need
Start with the free controls above. Compare what a paid service would add only after deciding which problem remains.
No purchase needed. How we use evidence.
Frequently asked
A buyer on OfferUp asked me to send them a verification code. Is that a scam?
A buyer sent me a link to get paid. How do I tell if it's really OfferUp?
Is it safe to accept Zelle, Cash App, or gift cards on OfferUp?
A buyer overpaid and wants the difference back. What should I do?
How do I meet an OfferUp buyer safely?
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Sources
- 01Common buying and selling scams— OfferUp
- 02Safety tips for meeting up— OfferUp
- 03The Google Voice scam: how this verification code scam works and how to avoid it— Federal Trade Commission
- 04Report fraud to the FTC— Federal Trade Commission
- 05What To Do if You Were Scammed— consumer.ftc.gov
Pass it on
Help protect someone else
If this could have fooled you, it can fool someone you know — a parent, a friend, the family group chat. It's safe to forward, and stands on its own as a record for a bank or the police.