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OfferUp Marketplace: Mixed Safety

Updated: January 2026

OfferUp is a real mobile marketplace for buying/selling used items locally, but 18 Reddit comments show serious problems: full of counterfeit items and scams, reporting scammers does nothing (they stay on platform), no protection for users, safety risks (user shot during meetup), and unrealistic offers (buyers lowball severely).

Better to use Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

Key Findings

What It Is

Real marketplace app for local buy/sell of used items in person or through shipping

Main Risk

Ignored scam reports: Users report scams, company does nothing, same scammers stay on platform

Best Action

Verify before meeting: Request video call before agreeing to meetup

The Pattern

→Real marketplace app for local buy/sell of used items in person or through shipping
→Legitimate platform but has virtually no scam prevention
→Counterfeit items and repeated listings across regions (scam signature)
→Reports are ignored and scammers remain active
→Pricing is difficult—sellers undervalue and buyers make unrealistic lowball offers

Red Flags

Warning: Ignored scam reports: Users report scams, company does nothing, same scammers stay on platform
Warning: Counterfeit items: Full of counterfeit products being sold as genuine
Warning: Duplicate listings: Same items with same photos listed repeatedly across country with new accounts
Warning: No user protection: Company doesn't verify sellers or protect buyers from fraud
Warning: Physical safety risk: One user killed during OfferUp meetup (selling $200 phone)
Warning: No-show sellers: Users say sellers ask/never reply, agree to meetup then don't show
Warning: Deactivation for reporting: Users who report scams get deactivated instead of scammers
Warning: Bots and fake accounts: Numerous reports of bot accounts making fake offers
Warning: Lowball culture: Buyers make ridiculously low offers and think sellers are scamming if they refuse
Warning: No recourse: No protection if money/item lost to scammer

What To Do

1Verify before meeting: Request video call before agreeing to meetup
2Meet in public: Always meet in well-lit public areas (police station parking lot is best)
3Bring someone: Never go alone to meetups—bring a trusted person
4Verify items: Check serial numbers, test functionality before handing over money
5Use verified sellers: Only buy from sellers with extensive verified history
6Shipping safer: Use shipping instead of in-person when possible
7Trust your gut: If something feels off, walk away
8Document everything: Take photos of items and keep all messages

What NOT To Do

✕Don't meet alone for high-value items
✕Don't transfer money before verifying you have the item
✕Don't give personal information to unverified sellers
✕Don't assume 'verified' means safe—scammers can have fake reviews
✕Don't meet at your home or their home—always public
✕Don't report scams expecting company to help (they likely won't)
✕Don't buy counterfeit items knowingly

Copy-Paste Script

OfferUp is a real marketplace but full of scams and dangerous. Counterfeit items, repeated listings, no moderation, reports are ignored, users lowball constantly, and one person was shot. Use Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist instead.

FAQ

Is OfferUp legit?

OfferUp is a real platform, but it's not safe. Full of scams, counterfeits, and dangerous meetup dynamics.

Is OfferUp safe to buy from?

No. Counterfeit items, no user protection, reports are ignored, and physical safety risks exist.

What happens if you get scammed on OfferUp?

No protection or recourse. The company doesn't verify sellers and reports of scams are ignored.

Are meetups safe on OfferUp?

No. Meet in public only, bring someone with you, and never go alone. One user was shot.

What do Redditors say about OfferUp?

18 comments: Real platform but dangerous. Full of scams/counterfeits, reports ignored, users shot, no recourse.

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