The Most Common iPhone 17 Pro Max Frauds on OfferUp to Avoid in 2026
Learn about the prevalent scams targeting iPhone 17 Pro Max sales on OfferUp in 2026. Protect yourself from fraudulent schemes and ensure a secure transaction.
Navigating OfferUp Safely: Protecting Your iPhone 17 Pro Max from Scams
The iPhone 17 Pro Max, a highly sought-after device, unfortunately attracts a variety of scams on peer-to-peer marketplaces like OfferUp. Understanding these common fraudulent tactics is crucial for both buyers and sellers to ensure a safe and successful transaction.
Common Scams Targeting iPhone 17 Pro Max Transactions
- ✓ Google Voice Verification Code: Scammers may ask you to verify your account using a Google Voice code, which they then use to take control of your account or conduct fraudulent activities. Never share verification codes with anyone.
- ✓ Fake Payment App Screenshot: Be wary of sellers or buyers who provide screenshots of payment confirmations from apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App. These can be easily faked. Always confirm funds directly within the payment app itself.
- ✓ Shipping Label Outside App: Scammers might request you to purchase and send a shipping label separately, outside of OfferUp's integrated shipping. This is a tactic to avoid platform protections and can lead to non-delivery or a shipped empty box.
- ✓ The 'Text Me' Phone Number Phish: A common tactic is for a potential buyer or seller to immediately ask you to text them at a provided phone number. This is often an attempt to move the conversation off-platform to a less secure channel and potentially phish for personal information.
- ✓ Empty Box Shipping Fraud: After agreeing to ship the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the scammer sends an empty box or a box with a much less valuable item inside. OfferUp's shipping protection is vital here; always use it and document the packing process.
- ✓ Non-Existent Item Deposit: Scammers might ask for a deposit on an iPhone 17 Pro Max that they don't actually possess. Once the deposit is sent, they disappear, and the item is never delivered.
- ✓ Fake TruYou Identity Theft: While TruYou is a legitimate verification feature on OfferUp, scammers can create fake profiles or impersonate verified users. Always exercise caution and look for other verification signals.
- ✓ Overpayment via Cashier's Check: A scammer claims to have overpaid for the item via a cashier's check and asks you to wire back the difference. The cashier's check is often fraudulent and will eventually bounce, leaving you out both the item and the money sent back.
- ✓ Robbery at Unsafe Meetup: While meeting in person can be convenient, agreeing to meet at an isolated or unfamiliar location for an iPhone 17 Pro Max transaction can lead to robbery. Always opt for well-lit, public places with security.
To mitigate the risk of these common frauds when buying or selling a high-value item like the iPhone 17 Pro Max, consider using Safe Trade Services' ID verification. For a device of this value, the Premium Plan is recommended to ensure both parties are who they claim to be, adding an extra layer of security to your OfferUp transaction.
Protecting Your Transaction
Always stay within the OfferUp platform for communication and payments when possible. Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true and trust your instincts. Documenting the condition of the iPhone 17 Pro Max before shipping and during unboxing can also be critical evidence if a dispute arises.
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