7 Warning Signs of iPhone 17 Pro Max Scams on Poshmark

Fake Authentication/Counterfeit Product: Scammers may list counterfeit iPhone 17 Pro Max devices, often passing them off as genuine. These devices may look similar but have inferior build quality, non-functional features, and can be detected by comparing serial numbers or using Apple's verification tools. Some fake iPhones have even been found to have legitimate serial numbers that correspond to older models.

Off-Platform Payment Requests: Be extremely wary if a seller insists on communicating or conducting the transaction outside of Poshmark, often via email or direct messaging apps. This is a common tactic to bypass Poshmark's buyer protection policies and can lead to payment fraud or phishing attempts.

Direct Zelle/Venmo Bait: Similar to off-platform requests, sellers might pressure you to use payment apps like Zelle or Venmo, sometimes claiming it's for a discount or faster processing. This is a significant red flag, as these transactions are not protected by Poshmark and can lead to irreversible financial loss if the item is not as described or never arrives.

Replica Luxury Listing / Counterfeit Authentication Swap: Beyond just selling a fake iPhone, some scammers may try to swap a genuine product with a counterfeit one upon return, or sell a replica as if it were authentic. Always verify the authenticity of high-value items like the iPhone 17 Pro Max using official Apple methods and be cautious of listings with suspiciously low prices compared to retail.

Empty Box Return Fraud: While less common for sellers to receive, buyers can attempt to return an empty box claiming the item was never received or was damaged. Poshmark's system relies on tracking and weight. If you are a seller, documenting the item's weight before shipping is crucial evidence.

Unrealistically Low Prices: If a deal seems too good to be true for an iPhone 17 Pro Max, it almost certainly is. Scammers often use heavily discounted prices to lure in unsuspecting buyers.

Suspicious Seller Profiles: Look for sellers with very few reviews, newly created accounts, or inconsistent listing descriptions and photos. These can indicate a fraudulent operation.