Buying and selling items online has never been easier, thanks to platforms like OfferUp. However, with the convenience of online marketplaces comes the inherent risk of scams. If you’ve been scammed on OfferUp, the first question that likely comes to mind is: Does OfferUp give refunds? Understanding OfferUp’s policies and your options for recourse is essential to protecting yourself and your money.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
OfferUp does not typically offer refunds for transactions that happen outside of its in-app payment and shipping system. If you were scammed while using OfferUp shipping and paid within the app, you might qualify for Buyer Protection. If not, your best option may be to file a dispute with your bank or PayPal, and potentially file a report with law enforcement. Always try to complete transactions within OfferUp’s official channels to stay protected.
Understanding How OfferUp Works
OfferUp connects local buyers and sellers with a simple and easy-to-use mobile platform. Users can list items for sale, browse local listings, and communicate directly within the app to arrange purchases. There are two primary types of transactions on OfferUp:
- In-person transactions: Where buyer and seller meet locally and exchange cash or payment tools outside the app.
- Shipped transactions: Where items are shipped and payment is processed through the OfferUp app.
How you conduct your transaction plays a significant role in whether or not you may be eligible for a refund if something goes wrong.
When Does OfferUp Provide Refunds?
OfferUp only offers refunds in limited situations covered under its Buyer Protection Policy. This only applies to purchases made through the app’s shipping and payment system. You are likely eligible for a refund if:
- You paid for an item through OfferUp’s in-app payment system
- The item was shipped
- You received the wrong item, a damaged item, or the item never arrived
In these cases, you must report the issue within 2 days of delivery. You can do this by going to your OfferUp transaction history and selecting “Report a problem.”
Important: OfferUp will not issue refunds for any transactions completed in person or through third-party payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle.
Common Types of Scams on OfferUp
To better understand whether you’re eligible for a refund, it’s worth identifying whether you were the victim of one of the most common types of scams on OfferUp:
- Fake listings: Scammers post high-value items at attractive prices to lure buyers and collect money via external payment methods.
- Broken or counterfeit goods: When meeting in person, unscrupulous sellers may hand over faulty electronics or imitation products.
- Payment scams: Scammers convince buyers to pay via untraceable, non-refundable methods like gift cards or money transfers.
- Account takeovers: Hackers gain control of legitimate OfferUp accounts to lend credibility to scams.
Unfortunately, if your scam falls into one of these categories and didn’t involve OfferUp’s in-app payments and shipping, you are unlikely to get a refund from the platform itself.
What to Do If You’re Scammed
If you believe you’ve been scammed on OfferUp, take immediate action. Here’s what you can do:
- Report the user within the app: Go to their profile and click “Report.” This helps OfferUp’s moderation team investigate and potentially ban bad actors.
- Use OfferUp’s refund tools (if eligible): For shipped items, report the issue within 2 days to initiate an investigation.
- Dispute the charge: If you used your credit card or PayPal, you may be able to open a chargeback or dispute outside of OfferUp’s system.
- File a police report: For significant financial losses, notifying your local law enforcement may be necessary.
- Report the fraud to the FTC: In the U.S., you can report scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
While these steps might not always get your money back, they can help increase awareness, lead to investigations, and potentially catch the scammers involved.
Who Can You Contact for Help?
If you’re unsure what to do, you can also reach out to OfferUp’s customer support. Keep in mind that OfferUp has limited customer service and typically refers users to their Help Center articles or automated tools.
Your better bet might be contacting one of the following organizations:
- Your bank: In some cases, you may be able to reverse fraudulent payments made by credit or debit card.
- PayPal or Apple Pay (if used): These platforms offer buyer protection in certain transactions, even if OfferUp doesn’t.
- Law enforcement: Particularly for scams involving large sums or repeat offenders.
Tips for Avoiding Scams in the Future
To prevent being victimized again, apply these simple yet powerful safety tips when using OfferUp:
- Always use in-app payments and shipping: This is the only way to stay protected under OfferUp’s Buyer Protection.
- Never pay via third-party cash apps: OfferUp cannot issue refunds for payments made outside their system.
- Meet in public places: If buying in person, meet in well-lit, busy areas—some cities even have designated “Safe Exchange Zones.”
- Inspect items carefully: Before finalizing any purchase, examine items thoroughly.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off—walk away.
Being cautious and sticking to verified processes can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a scam.
Final Thoughts
In short, OfferUp only gives refunds under very specific conditions. You must use the in-app payment system and shipping feature to be eligible for Buyer Protection. If you’ve been scammed outside of those parameters, OfferUp is unlikely to provide a refund. Your best chances at recovering your money may lie in disputing the charge through your financial institution, contacting law enforcement, and helping to report and shut down fraudulent listings.
The key takeaway: Always keep your transactions on the OfferUp platform and never send money using services that don’t offer refund or buyer protection capabilities.
Stay informed, stay cautious, and use these tools and tips to ensure a safer buying experience on OfferUp.