The Most Common P2P Frauds on OfferUp to Avoid in 2026

Common Scams on OfferUp and How to Avoid Them

OfferUp is a popular platform for peer-to-peer transactions, but like any online marketplace, it's susceptible to various scams. This guide focuses on common fraudulent activities relevant to high-value items like the Louis Vuitton Keepall, offering insights to help you navigate these risks safely in 2026.

Scams Targeting Buyers and Sellers of High-Value Items

• ✓ Google Voice Verification Code Scam: Scammers may ask for your phone number to send a verification code, which they then use to obtain a Google Voice number. This often leads to phishing attempts or account takeovers.
• ✓ Fake Payment App Screenshot: A scammer will show a fabricated payment confirmation screen, tricking you into believing a transaction is complete. Without verifying your own account, you might hand over the Louis Vuitton Keepall, only to find no funds were actually transferred.
• ✓ Shipping Label Outside App Fraud: Sellers might try to arrange shipping outside of OfferUp's platform. This can involve creating fake shipping labels or providing invalid tracking information, leading to non-delivery or the shipment of an empty box.
• ✓ The 'Text Me' Phone Number Phish: Scammers request your phone number to move the conversation off-platform, aiming to gather personal information for identity theft or to send malicious links.
• ✓ Empty Box Shipping Fraud: In this scam, a seller ships an empty box or a counterfeit item while pretending it's the genuine Louis Vuitton Keepall. OfferUp's protection might not cover off-app transactions or if the scammer claims the item was shipped correctly.
• ✓ Non-Existent Item Deposit Scam: A seller advertises a desirable item like a Louis Vuitton Keepall and asks for a deposit to secure it, only for the item to never materialize.
• ✓ Overpayment via Cashier's Check Scam: A buyer overpays for the item and then requests a refund for the difference. The initial payment is often fraudulent, leaving you out both the item and the refunded amount.

Protecting Your P2P Transactions with Safe Trade Services

To mitigate these risks, especially when dealing with valuable items like a Louis Vuitton Keepall, consider using identity verification services. Safe Trade Services offers a robust solution for P2P transactions. For higher-value items, such as a luxury handbag, we recommend our Premium Plan to ensure a thorough verification process. For lower-value transactions, the Basic Plan provides essential identity checks.

• ✓ For items like a Louis Vuitton Keepall, exceeding $500 in value, utilize the **Premium Plan** from Safe Trade Services for comprehensive identity verification.
• ✓ For transactions under $500, the **Basic Plan** offers a streamlined yet effective identity verification process.

By staying informed about common scams and utilizing tools like Safe Trade Services for identity verification, you can significantly enhance the security of your P2P transactions on OfferUp.