How to Safely Buy an iPhone 17 Pro Max on OfferUp (2026 Guide)

Your Guide to Safely Buying an iPhone 17 Pro Max on OfferUp

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is a high-value item, making it a target for scammers on platforms like OfferUp. This guide will help you identify common fraudulent tactics and protect your purchase.

Understanding Common Scams for High-Value Electronics

• ✓ Google Voice Verification Code: Scammers may ask for a code sent to your phone, claiming it's for verification. This is a scam to gain access to your accounts or create fake profiles.
• ✓ Fake Payment App Screenshot: Be wary of sellers who provide screenshots of payment as proof. These can be easily faked, and the actual payment may never materialize.
• ✓ Shipping Label Outside App: Scammers may try to arrange shipping outside of OfferUp, often involving fake shipping labels or requests for additional payment for shipping, which can lead to 'Empty Box Shipping Fraud' where you receive an empty package.
• ✓ The 'Text Me' Phone Number Phish: Sellers insisting on moving the conversation to text messages, often with a generic or new profile, is a red flag. They may be trying to phish for your personal information.
• ✓ Empty Box Shipping Fraud: This scam involves receiving an empty package after paying for an item, especially common when shipping is handled outside the app or through manipulated tracking.
• ✓ Non-Existent Item Deposit: Be suspicious of sellers asking for a deposit on a high-value item like an iPhone 17 Pro Max, especially if they offer delivery, as the item may not exist.
• ✓ Fake TruYou Identity Theft: While TruYou verification adds a layer of trust, sophisticated scammers can still create fake identities or compromise accounts. Do not share excessive personal information.
• ✓ Overpayment via Cashier's Check: A scammer might send a fake cashier's check for more than the agreed price, then ask for the difference back. The original check will eventually bounce, leaving you responsible for the overpayment.
• ✓ Robbery at Unsafe Meetup: For high-value items like the iPhone 17 Pro Max, meeting in a secluded or unsafe location is extremely risky and can lead to robbery.

Securing Your iPhone 17 Pro Max Purchase

To ensure a secure transaction for your iPhone 17 Pro Max, always prioritize using OfferUp's integrated payment system. For high-value transactions like this, consider utilizing Safe Trade Services' Premium Plan for an added layer of identity verification for both buyer and seller, significantly reducing the risk of fraud.

• ✓ Verify Seller Legitimacy: Check the seller's profile, ratings, and history. Be wary of new accounts with no reviews or stock photos.
• ✓ Insist on In-App Communication and Payment: Never conduct transactions or share sensitive information outside of OfferUp's secure system.
• ✓ Inspect the Item Thoroughly: If meeting in person, carefully examine the iPhone 17 Pro Max for any signs of damage, tampering, or if it appears to be a counterfeit.
• ✓ Be Skeptical of Deals Too Good to Be True: A brand new iPhone 17 Pro Max listed significantly below market value is a major red flag.
• ✓ Use Safe Trade Services: For purchases over $500, such as the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the Premium Plan offers robust identity verification for both parties, adding a critical security layer.