TL;DR: OfferUp includes a rating system for buyers and sellers and has pushed in-person meetup safe zones (often at local police stations) that make face-to-face local sales somewhat safer to arrange. Like other local marketplace apps, OfferUp has limited ability to verify that a listed item actually exists or that a buyer's payment is real, so both fake listings and fake payment confirmations circulate.
OfferUp is widely used, and for most people, most of the time, it works exactly as intended. OfferUp includes a rating system for buyers and sellers and has pushed in-person meetup safe zones (often at local police stations) that make face-to-face local sales somewhat safer to arrange.
What the Real Risks Are
Like other local marketplace apps, OfferUp has limited ability to verify that a listed item actually exists or that a buyer's payment is real, so both fake listings and fake payment confirmations circulate.
Red Flags to Watch For
A buyer who "pays" and sends a screenshot instead of you confirming the funds landed yourself, and a seller with a brand-new account and zero completed transactions asking for payment upfront.
How to Use OfferUp Safely
Keep all payments and communication inside OfferUp’s own official app or platform — never move to text, email, or another app at someone else’s request. Verify who you’re dealing with before sending money or personal information, and turn on any extra security features OfferUp offers.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading Is PayPal Safe? What to Know Before You Use It.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see Is Poshmark Safe? What to Know Before You Use It.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OfferUp safe to use?
OfferUp includes a rating system for buyers and sellers and has pushed in-person meetup safe zones (often at local police stations) that make face-to-face local sales somewhat safer to arrange.
What are the main risks of using OfferUp?
Like other local marketplace apps, OfferUp has limited ability to verify that a listed item actually exists or that a buyer's payment is real, so both fake listings and fake payment confirmations circulate.
What red flags should I watch for on OfferUp?
A buyer who "pays" and sends a screenshot instead of you confirming the funds landed yourself, and a seller with a brand-new account and zero completed transactions asking for payment upfront.
How do I stay safe while using OfferUp?
Keep all payments and communication within OfferUp’s own official app or platform, verify who you’re dealing with before sending money, and enable any security features OfferUp offers, such as two-factor authentication.
What should I do if something goes wrong on OfferUp?
Report the issue directly to OfferUp’s support team, contact your bank or card issuer if money was involved, and change your password immediately if your account may be compromised.