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7 OfferUp scams every user should be wary of
Spokeo outlines seven scams, including fake profiles and counterfeit checks, and says users should keep payments and messages inside the app.
On Tuesday, Spokeo published a guide detailing 7 common scams targeting OfferUp users, a platform with over 20 million active users trading furniture, electronics, and cars.
Online marketplaces have long been fertile ground for scammers seeking to defraud unsuspecting users, and OfferUp has unfortunately not been spared from these fraudulent activities.
Common ruses include the overpayment scam, where buyers send counterfeit checks to sellers, and the fake profile scam, which uses accounts with no history or duplicated listings.
To protect themselves, users should conduct communications and payments exclusively within the OfferUp app and use cash for face-to-face transactions in designated "Safe Trade" locations.
Staying informed about the latest tricks helps users remain one step ahead; ultimately, if a deal seems too good to be true, experts advise trusting your instincts and backing out.