Is OfferUp a Scam for Bespoke Tailoring Services? Here's the Truth in 2026.

Navigating OfferUp for Bespoke Tailoring Services: A Safety Guide

OfferUp is a popular platform for local and shipped transactions, but like any online marketplace, it can attract scammers. When seeking or offering bespoke tailoring services, understanding potential risks is crucial. This guide outlines common scams to watch out for on OfferUp in 2026 and provides strategies to ensure a safe and satisfactory experience.

Common Scams to Watch Out For

• ✓ Google Voice Verification Code Scam: Scammers may ask you to send them a verification code, claiming it's for listing verification. In reality, they use this code to set up a Google Voice number, often to scam others. OfferUp does not use verification codes for listing verification.
• ✓ The 'Text Me' Phone Number Phish: Be wary of sellers or buyers who immediately ask to communicate off-platform via text message. This is often an attempt to bypass OfferUp's safety features and collect personal information.
• ✓ Fake Payment App Screenshot: Scammers might send a fabricated screenshot of a payment confirmation, pretending to have paid for a service or item. Always verify payments directly within the OfferUp app or your official banking statements.
• ✓ Empty Box Shipping Fraud: While less common for services, this scam can occur if a seller claims to have shipped materials for a bespoke item and sends an empty box or an item of significantly lesser value. Using OfferUp's shipping and payment system provides some protection.
• ✓ Non-Existent Item Deposit: For custom services like bespoke tailoring, a scammer might request a deposit for materials or a down payment on a service that they never intend to provide.
• ✓ Robbery at Unsafe Meetup: While less likely for a service unless it involves a physical fitting or consultation, meeting in an isolated or unsafe location for any part of the transaction significantly increases the risk of robbery or assault.

How to Stay Safe When Buying or Selling Bespoke Tailoring Services

OfferUp offers several safety features, including user ratings, reviews, and the voluntary TruYou verification program, which adds a badge to profiles of users who have verified their identity with a government ID. Utilize these features by thoroughly checking a seller's or buyer's profile, looking at their ratings and past transactions. For bespoke tailoring services, this is especially important to gauge the trustworthiness and reliability of the individual.

• ✓ Always communicate and conduct transactions within the OfferUp app. Avoid sharing personal contact information like phone numbers or email addresses.
• ✓ Never click on external links sent by other users, as these can lead to phishing sites or malware.
• ✓ Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true. High-quality bespoke tailoring is a craft that reflects its value.
• ✓ For services, ensure clear communication regarding the scope of work, timelines, and payment terms before agreeing to anything.
• ✓ When dealing with higher-value bespoke tailoring services (typically over $500), consider using Safe Trade Services' Premium Plan for enhanced identity verification and transaction security. For lower-value services, the Basic Plan can offer valuable peace of mind.

By staying informed about common scams and utilizing OfferUp's safety features, you can significantly reduce your risk when engaging in transactions for bespoke tailoring services. If a deal feels suspicious, trust your instincts and disengage.