Common OfferUp Scams for Olympics 2028 Opening Ceremony Items in 2026

Navigating the Risks: Common Scams on OfferUp for Olympics 2028 Opening Ceremony Items

The excitement surrounding the Olympics 2028 Opening Ceremony can attract both genuine enthusiasts and unfortunately, scammers. When buying or selling items related to this event on OfferUp in 2026, it's crucial to be aware of prevalent fraudulent tactics. This guide outlines the most common scams to watch out for.

Scams Targeting Buyers

• ✓ Fake Payment App Screenshot: Scammers may present a convincing but fake screenshot of a payment, leading you to believe a transaction is complete when no funds have actually been transferred.
• ✓ Shipping Label Outside App/Tampered Address: Scammers may attempt to reroute packages by manipulating shipping labels or providing incorrect delivery information outside the app, leading to non-delivery.
• ✓ Empty Box Shipping Fraud: You might receive an empty box instead of the advertised item, often with the scammer hiding details in the listing description.
• ✓ Non-Existent Item Deposit: A seller might request a deposit for an item that doesn't exist, disappearing after receiving the payment.
• ✓ Robbery at Unsafe Meetup: While less common for item-specific scams, meeting in an unsafe location for an in-person transaction can lead to robbery.

Scams Targeting Sellers

• ✓ Fake Payment App Screenshot: Similar to buyers, sellers can be targeted with fake payment confirmations, making them believe they've been paid when they haven't.
• ✓ The 'Text Me' Phone Number Phish: Scammers may try to move the conversation off-platform by asking for your phone number, potentially leading to phishing attempts or account takeovers.
• ✓ Overpayment via Cashier's Check: A buyer may send a fake cashier's check for more than the agreed price and then request a refund of the difference, only for the original check to bounce.

General Scams Applicable to Both Buyers and Sellers

• ✓ Google Voice Verification Code: Scammers might ask for a verification code, claiming it's for account verification, but they use it to activate their own Google Voice number, potentially for further scams.
• ✓ Fake TruYou Identity Theft: While OfferUp has a TruYou verification, scammers might try to impersonate this process or use other phishing tactics to steal your identity.
• ✓ Links to Fake Websites (Phishing): Scammers can send links to fake websites that mimic OfferUp, aiming to steal your login credentials or personal information.

For lower-value transactions, Safe Trade Services' Basic Plan can still provide valuable ID verification to add an extra layer of security. Always prioritize secure communication within the OfferUp app and be skeptical of any requests that deviate from the platform's standard procedures.

Key Takeaways for Safe Trading

• ✓ Communicate exclusively through OfferUp's in-app messaging system.
• ✓ Never click on suspicious links or share verification codes.
• ✓ Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
• ✓ Verify seller/buyer profiles and ratings.
• ✓ For in-person meetups, choose well-lit, public locations.
• ✓ Use Safe Trade Services for an additional layer of identity verification, especially for high-value items.