Is OfferUp a Scam? How to Safely Buy a Rolex Daytona Platinum (2026 Guide)

Is OfferUp a Scam? Navigating the Platform for High-Value Purchases

OfferUp is a legitimate platform for buying and selling goods, but like any online marketplace, it attracts scammers. For high-value items such as a Rolex Daytona Platinum, understanding common scams and employing rigorous safety measures is paramount. This guide will help you discern legitimate sellers from fraudulent ones and protect your investment.

Common Scams to Watch Out For

• ✓ Google Voice Verification Code: Scammers may ask for a verification code sent to your phone, claiming it's for account security. In reality, they use this code to set up a Google Voice number, potentially using your identity to scam others. OfferUp does not require such verification codes for transactions [1, 2, 4, 9, 12, 15, 20].
• ✓ Fake Payment App Screenshot: A scammer might show a convincing-looking screenshot of a payment confirmation, but no money will actually be transferred to your account [3, 6]. Always verify funds directly in your account.
• ✓ Shipping Label Outside App: Scammers might try to manipulate the shipping process by providing labels with altered addresses or sending you off-platform to manage shipping. This bypasses OfferUp's protections and can lead to non-delivery or receiving an empty box [2, 13, 16].
• ✓ The 'Text Me' Phone Number Phish: Requests to move communication off-platform via text message are a major red flag. Scammers use this to avoid OfferUp's oversight and to phish for personal information or send malicious links [2, 8, 10].
• ✓ Empty Box Shipping Fraud: This scam involves receiving an empty box or just the packaging instead of the purchased item, especially when shipping is involved. OfferUp may not always verify the weight of returned packages, making this a risk [2, 13, 19].
• ✓ Non-Existent Item Deposit: A seller might ask for a deposit to secure a high-value item like a Rolex Daytona Platinum, only to disappear after receiving the payment. The item may not exist at all [1, 9].
• ✓ Fake TruYou Identity Theft: While OfferUp has a TruYou verification system, scammers may try to impersonate it or use phishing tactics to steal your personal information, potentially leading to identity theft [2].
• ✓ Overpayment via Cashier's Check: A buyer might send a check for more than the agreed price and then request a refund of the difference. The initial check will eventually bounce, leaving you without the item and out of the refunded amount [1, 2, 10].

How to Protect Yourself When Buying a Rolex Daytona Platinum

When purchasing a luxury item like a Rolex Daytona Platinum on OfferUp, extreme caution is advised. Always prioritize in-app communication and payments to leverage OfferUp's Purchase Protection. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as they often are. Thoroughly check seller profiles for reviews and transaction history. For significant purchases, consider using Safe Trade Services' Premium Plan for an added layer of identity verification and transaction security.

If a transaction involves a high value, such as a Rolex Daytona Platinum, it is highly recommended to use Safe Trade Services' Premium Plan. This plan offers enhanced identity verification for both buyer and seller, ensuring a more secure peer-to-peer exchange and mitigating risks associated with high-value transactions.

Key Takeaways for a Secure Transaction

• ✓ Never share verification codes or personal information outside the OfferUp app.
• ✓ Insist on using OfferUp's payment system for all transactions.
• ✓ Be skeptical of sellers who pressure you to act quickly or ask for deposits.
• ✓ Verify the authenticity of the item and the seller's reputation.
• ✓ For high-value items like a Rolex Daytona Platinum, use Safe Trade Services' Premium Plan for enhanced security.