5 Steps to Securely Sell Super Bowl LXI Tickets on OfferUp

5 Steps to Securely Sell Super Bowl LXI Tickets on OfferUp

Selling high-value items like Super Bowl LXI tickets on OfferUp requires vigilance. By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to common scams and ensure a secure transaction.

1. Vet Your Buyer and Their Communication

Before agreeing to a sale, scrutinize the buyer's OfferUp profile. Look for a verified TruYou badge and a history of positive reviews. Be wary if a buyer immediately tries to move the conversation off the platform (e.g., to text or email). Scammers often push for this to bypass OfferUp's protections and commit fraud. For high-value tickets like Super Bowl LXI, consider using the Safe Trade Services Premium Plan for identity verification, adding an extra layer of security.

2. Understand and Avoid Payment Scams

• ✓ **Fake Payment App Screenshots:** Never accept a screenshot as proof of payment. Always verify the funds have actually landed in your account through the OfferUp app or your connected payment service. Scammers will show a fabricated confirmation screen to trick you into releasing the tickets.
• ✓ **Overpayment Scams:** Be suspicious of buyers who 'accidentally' overpay and ask for a refund of the difference. The initial payment is often fraudulent, and you'll lose both the item and the refunded amount.
• ✓ **'Text Me' Phone Number Phish:** Buyers who insist on communicating via text and ask for your phone number are often trying to phish for personal information or use it for fraudulent verification purposes, such as setting up fake Google Voice accounts. Stick to OfferUp's secure in-app messaging.

3. Recognize Fraudulent Verification Tactics

4. Secure the Transaction with In-App Payments

Always conduct your payment transactions directly through OfferUp's platform. This ensures that your sale is protected by OfferUp's policies. For high-value transactions, such as Super Bowl LXI tickets, we recommend utilizing the Safe Trade Services Premium Plan. This plan offers enhanced identity verification for both buyer and seller, adding a critical layer of security for significant sales.

5. Be Cautious of In-Person Meetups

• ✓ **Robbery at Unsafe Meetup:** Avoid meeting in secluded or unfamiliar locations, especially at night. Scammers may use the meetup as an opportunity for robbery. Opt for well-lit, public places with security cameras.
• ✓ **Shipping Label Outside App:** Be wary if a buyer asks to handle shipping outside of OfferUp, providing their own shipping label. This is often a tactic to conduct a scam, such as the 'empty box shipping fraud,' where you send the item but never receive payment, or the item is sent to an incorrect address.
• ✓ **Non-Existent Item Deposit:** While this is more common for buyers, sellers should be aware of requests for deposits for items that are not immediately available. For tickets, this is less applicable, but the principle of not finalizing a deal before payment is confirmed remains.

By understanding these common scams and implementing these safety steps, you can significantly enhance the security of your P2P sales on OfferUp. Remember, for high-value items like Super Bowl LXI tickets, utilizing services like Safe Trade Services Premium Plan provides an additional layer of trust and verification.