How to Safely Buy a MacBook Pro 16-inch M4 on Depop (2026 Guide)

Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a MacBook Pro 16-inch M4 on Depop

The MacBook Pro 16-inch M4 is a powerful and desirable piece of technology, making it a sought-after item on platforms like Depop. However, with high-value items, the risk of encountering scams also increases. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate Depop safely and make your purchase with confidence.

Understanding the Risks: Scams to Watch Out For

• ✓ **Out-of-App Payment Request:** Scammers will often try to convince you to pay outside of Depop (e.g., via PayPal, Zelle, or bank transfer). This is a major red flag, as it bypasses Depop's buyer protection. Always keep all transactions within the Depop app to ensure you are covered.
• ✓ **Untracked Shipping Scam:** Sellers might claim to have shipped the item but provide no tracking information. This makes it impossible to verify if the item was actually sent, and if it gets lost, you have no recourse. Always ensure that any high-value item, especially a MacBook Pro, is shipped with reliable tracking.
• ✓ **Dropshipping AliExpress Markup:** Be wary of listings that seem too good to be true. Some sellers may list products they source from sites like AliExpress at a significantly inflated price. While not always a scam, it can lead to receiving a lower-quality product than expected. Perform a reverse image search on the product photos to see if they originate from other retailers.
• ✓ **Stolen Influencer Photos / Stock Photo-Only Listing:** Scammers may use high-quality images of MacBooks from official sources, influencers, or other listings to create a fake listing. If a listing only uses stock photos or images that appear to be from professional sources and not actual photos of the specific MacBook Pro being sold, it's a significant red flag. Always request clear, unique photos of the actual item from the seller.
• ✓ **Chargeback After Rating:** A dishonest buyer might receive the MacBook, leave a positive review, and then attempt to initiate a chargeback with their bank or credit card company, claiming they never received the item or it was faulty. While Depop and payment processors aim to prevent this, it's a risk. Thoroughly inspect the MacBook upon arrival and document any issues immediately.

Key Steps to a Secure Purchase

• ✓ **Verify Seller Reputation:** Always check a seller's reviews and ratings. Look for consistent positive feedback, a good number of sales, and recent activity. Be cautious of new sellers with no or very few reviews, especially for high-value items.
• ✓ **Examine Listing Details:** Read the description carefully. Look for specific details about the MacBook Pro's condition, specifications, and any included accessories. If details are vague or missing, ask the seller for more information.
• ✓ **Request More Photos/Videos:** Don't hesitate to ask the seller for additional, clear photos or a video of the MacBook Pro from various angles, including serial numbers and any signs of wear. This helps verify the item's authenticity and condition.
• ✓ **Communicate Through Depop:** Keep all communication within the Depop messaging system. This creates a record of your conversation, which can be crucial if a dispute arises.
• ✓ **Use Secure Payment Methods:** Always pay through Depop's integrated payment system. This ensures that your transaction is protected by Depop's policies.

Leveraging Safe Trade Services for High-Value Items

For significant purchases like a MacBook Pro 16-inch M4, which typically exceeds $500, we highly recommend utilizing the **Premium Plan** from Safe Trade Services. This plan offers enhanced identity verification for both buyer and seller, providing an extra layer of security and trust for high-value peer-to-peer transactions. It adds an invaluable safeguard, ensuring both parties are who they claim to be, thereby mitigating risks associated with fraudulent sellers.

Final Check: What to Do Upon Arrival

Once your MacBook Pro 16-inch M4 arrives, carefully inspect it immediately. Test all functions, check for any physical damage, and ensure it matches the listing description. If there are any discrepancies or issues, contact the seller through Depop within the platform's dispute resolution window and consider using Safe Trade Services' dispute assistance if necessary.