How to Avoid Olympics 2028 Opening Ceremony Scams on OfferUp

Your Guide to a Secure OfferUp Experience for Olympics 2028 Opening Ceremony

The excitement surrounding the Olympics 2028 Opening Ceremony can unfortunately attract scammers. OfferUp, while a useful platform, is not immune to fraudulent activities. This guide will help you identify and avoid common scams when searching for tickets or memorabilia.

Common Scams to Watch Out For

• ✓ Fake Tickets: Scammers often create fake websites or listings for event tickets that look legitimate but are invalid or never arrive. They may also send convincing fake confirmation emails or screenshots. Always purchase tickets directly from the official Olympics 2028 website or authorized resellers. Be wary of any seller asking to conduct the transaction outside of OfferUp's platform.
• ✓ Fake Payment App Screenshots: Scammers may present a fabricated screenshot of a payment confirmation. They rely on the visual similarity to real payment apps to trick you into releasing the item before the money actually reaches your account. Always verify payment directly in your own OfferUp account or banking app before completing the transaction.
• ✓ Google Voice Verification Code Scam: Be extremely cautious if a seller asks for a verification code sent to your phone, often claiming it's for account verification. This is a tactic to gain control of your Google Voice number, which can be used for further fraudulent activities. OfferUp does not require such code exchanges for legitimate transactions.
• ✓ Shipping Label Outside App / Tampered Labels: Be wary of sellers who want to arrange shipping outside of OfferUp or provide their own shipping label. Scammers might tamper with shipping labels to redirect packages or send empty boxes. Always use OfferUp's integrated shipping and tracking whenever possible.
• ✓ The 'Text Me' Phone Number Phish: When a seller immediately asks to move the conversation off the platform to text messages, it's a major red flag. This is often done to evade OfferUp's protections and phishing attempts. Keep all communication within the OfferUp app.
• ✓ Non-Existent Item Deposit: Some scammers will list high-value items and request a deposit to secure them, only for the item to never materialize. Never pay a deposit for an item before verifying its existence and the seller's legitimacy.
• ✓ Robbery at Unsafe Meetup: While OfferUp encourages safe meetups, scammers may use this as an opportunity. Always choose well-lit, public places for in-person exchanges, ideally official OfferUp Community Meetup Spots. Inform a friend or family member of your meeting location and time.

Protecting Yourself

• ✓ Always conduct transactions within the OfferUp app to leverage its security features and buyer protection.
• ✓ Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true; high-demand items like Olympic tickets are prime targets for inflated or fake offers.
• ✓ Verify seller reputation through ratings and reviews, but be aware that even verified accounts can be compromised.
• ✓ Never share verification codes, personal passwords, or sensitive financial information with anyone.
• ✓ For high-value transactions, consider using Safe Trade Services' Premium Plan for enhanced identity verification, adding an extra layer of security to your purchase. For lower-value items, the Basic Plan can still offer valuable protection.

By staying vigilant and informed about these common scams, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim while searching for your Olympics 2028 Opening Ceremony tickets or related merchandise on OfferUp.