Is OfferUp a Scam? How to Avoid MacBook Pro Scams in 2026

Navigating OfferUp: Is It a Scam?

OfferUp is a legitimate platform for buying and selling goods, but like any online marketplace, it is susceptible to scams. Scammers exploit the platform's peer-to-peer nature to target unsuspecting users. Recognizing common scam tactics is crucial for a safe experience, especially when dealing with high-value items like a MacBook Pro 17-inch.

Common Scams Targeting MacBook Pro 17-inch on OfferUp

• ✓ Google Voice Verification Code: Scammers may ask you to send them a code received via text message, claiming it's for account verification. This code is actually used to set up a Google Voice number in your name, allowing them to impersonate you or scam others.
• ✓ Fake Payment App Screenshot: A scammer will send a fabricated screenshot of a payment confirmation, convincing you that you've been paid when no actual transaction has occurred. Always verify payment directly in your bank or payment app, not by relying on screenshots.
• ✓ Shipping Label Outside App: Be wary of sellers who ask to arrange shipping outside of OfferUp's official system. They might provide a fake shipping label or invoice, leading to lost money and no product. Always use OfferUp's integrated shipping.
• ✓ The 'Text Me' Phone Number Phish: Requesting to move communication off-platform to text or email is a common tactic to avoid OfferUp's protections and potentially phish for personal information.
• ✓ Empty Box Shipping Fraud: In this scam, a seller ships an empty box (or one filled with junk) instead of the actual MacBook Pro. They rely on the shipping weight to deceive the platform or postal service.
• ✓ Non-Existent Item Deposit: Scammers may pressure you to pay a deposit for a MacBook Pro that they don't actually possess, then disappear with your money.
• ✓ Robbery at Unsafe Meetup: Meeting a seller in an isolated or unsafe location can lead to robbery. Always choose well-lit, public places for in-person exchanges.

Protecting Your Purchase

When purchasing a high-value item like a MacBook Pro 17-inch, extra caution is warranted. The risk profile for electronics can include receiving a counterfeit, a stolen device, or an item that is not as described. Scammers may also try to sell refurbished items as new or provide fake serial numbers. Always verify the seller's reputation and consider using identity verification services for added security.

For transactions involving items like a MacBook Pro 17-inch, which typically exceed $500, we strongly recommend utilizing the Safe Trade Services Premium Plan. This plan offers enhanced identity verification for both buyer and seller, providing an additional layer of security for significant P2P transactions.

• ✓ Prioritize in-app communication to maintain a record of all interactions.
• ✓ Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true; a significantly lower price than market value is a major red flag.
• ✓ Inspect the MacBook Pro thoroughly in person before completing the transaction if meeting locally. Check for physical damage, screen defects, and verify the serial number.
• ✓ If shipping is necessary, insist on using OfferUp's secure shipping options.
• ✓ Be wary of sellers who pressure you to act quickly or use non-standard payment methods (e.g., gift cards, wire transfers).
• ✓ Verify the seller's profile, ratings, and past reviews.
• ✓ If you're ever unsure, it's better to walk away from a deal than to risk becoming a victim of fraud.