It has never been easier to buy/sell vehicles. Electronics or furniture on the secondary market, thanks to websites like Offerup. Sales between individuals may be a great way to reach a deal. However, the attendant financial and personal risk is exacerbated by scammers masquerading as private buyers/sellers. The probability of being swindled makes it crucial for you to familiarise yourself with common warning signs. Hence, you can take appropriate steps to shield yourself and our property from OfferUp scams. 

Red flags when selling your car/electronic item/furniture

when selling your car/electronic item/furniture on OfferUp , be on the lookout for these caveats: 

Deceitful ACH transfers

An ACH transfer takes place when money moves between banks electronically. A scammer may ask you for  your account credentials to send money to your account. Then, a few days later, the scammer claims the transfer was unauthorised and tries to keep both your car/electronic item/furniture and your money.

Fake mobile deposits 

A criminal may request that he be allowed to log into your mobile banking app to deposit money into your account.  Nevertheless, they will try to shift money out of your account and into theirs.

Future payment promise 

Dishonest car/electronic item/furniture buyers may attempt to get you to float loan payments, or wait until they get their next paycheck prior to paying you. 

Overpayment on purpose

In this instance, the dishonest buyer sends you a cashier’s check or money order for an amount in excess of the negotiated price. Subsequently, they will tell you there’s been a mistake, so that you are required to refund the overage. Truth be told, the primary money order was short of legit. Therefore, any money sent to them would be untraceable. 

Tips for sidestepping scams when selling your car/electronic item/furniture 

There are scams galore on OfferUp, so scrutinise each offer as if there’s a cautionary tale hanging by it. Following are a handful of tips to save yourself from said OfferUp scams. 

Meet the buyers in person. 

When you speak with someone online, they could be anywhere physically. Legitimacy is underscored when you meet the buyer face-to-face. A meeting should be arranged in safe environs and with a close friend/relative at hand. Police precincts, particularly lobbies, might serve the purpose. On no account must you meet strangers all by yourself - and definitely not in strange surroundings. 

Accept only certified checks or cash

When selling your car/electronic item/furniture, cash is the best option. A check is easier to accept in case the total sale is over GBP 1500. You could meet at the buyer’s credit union or bank, having them cash their cheque and change it into a cashier’s cheque made out to you.

Think of an escrow account for out-of-area buyers 

When selling to out of town or foreign buyers, an escrow account can diminish fraud risk. Only ship your when selling your car/electronic item/furniture to the buyer when you have confirmed their funds have cleared with the escrow service. 

Red Flags when buying a car/electronic item/furniture on OfferUp

Keep these caveats in mind when buying a car/electronic item/furniture on OfferUp.

The price is less than the market value 

In case the price of a  used car/electronic item/furniture is too good to be true,  it probably is. Scammers will frequently post pictures of rare/exoic car/electronic item/furniture at cheap prices. When you get in touch with them about the  car/electronic item/furniture, they could say it is in another city or simply outside the country. They will try to coax you into wiring them money before they ship the car/electronic item/furniture. The latter is, in all likelihood, non-existent. 

Fake escrow services

Notwithstanding escrow services being a legit way to shield your money, scammers may try to inveigle you into utilising a fake escrow service. For example, they will instruct you to transfer money to the account prior to shipping the car/electronic item/furniture, to break the contract when the funds have cleared. 

Purchasing sight unseen

Swidler car/electronic item/furniture sellers may claim they are too busy or much too far away to meet you. They may even send you a fraudulent inspection report to persuade you the car/electronic item/furniture is in working order/good condition, in case it exists at all. 

Conclusion

OfferUp scams become commonplace when folk give up using their common sense. Do not be rushed into any decision. The other side ought to be showing money the same amount of respect you do. It won’t be hard to make out the instant he’s leading you astray. Do not be led by the nose. Definitely not by OfferUp scammers.