How to Safely Verify an iPhone 17 Pro Max Seller on OfferUp (2026 Guide)

Verify Your iPhone 17 Pro Max Seller on OfferUp

Purchasing a high-value item like the iPhone 17 Pro Max on OfferUp requires a thorough seller verification process. Scammers often target popular electronics, so vigilance is key. This guide will walk you through the steps to ensure you're dealing with a legitimate seller and to avoid common fraudulent schemes.

Understanding OfferUp's Verification Features

• ✓ **TruYou Verification:** OfferUp's TruYou program verifies users with government-issued IDs and selfies. A TruYou badge on a profile indicates a higher level of verified identity, but does not guarantee trustworthiness.
• ✓ **User Reviews and Ratings:** Always check the seller's ratings and read reviews from previous buyers. Look for consistent positive feedback.
• ✓ **Secure In-App Messaging:** Communicate exclusively through OfferUp's messaging system. Scammers often try to move conversations off-platform to avoid detection.

Common Scams to Watch For

• ✓ **Google Voice Verification Code Scam:** Scammers will ask you to relay a code sent to your phone, claiming it's for verification. This code is used to create a Google Voice number in their name, which they then use to scam others.
• ✓ **Fake Payment App Screenshot:** A scammer will send a fabricated screenshot of a payment confirmation, tricking you into believing you've been paid. Always check your actual bank account or payment app for confirmation, not just a screenshot.
• ✓ **Shipping Label Outside App / Shipping Fee Scams:** Sellers may try to arrange shipping outside of OfferUp or request payment for shipping labels separately. This bypasses OfferUp's protection and can lead to non-delivery or fraudulent charges. Be cautious if a seller offers to cover shipping or asks for an invoice for shipping fees.
• ✓ **The 'Text Me' Phone Number Phish:** Scammers often request to move the conversation off-app to text. This is to avoid OfferUp's monitoring and to phish for personal information.
• ✓ **Empty Box Shipping Fraud:** A seller ships an empty box or just the packaging, claiming it's the item. This is particularly relevant if the seller uses a prepaid shipping label and the actual weight of the package doesn't match the item's expected weight.
• ✓ **Non-Existent Item Deposit:** A seller might ask for a deposit to secure a high-value item, only for the item to be non-existent or never delivered.
• ✓ **Fake TruYou Identity Theft:** While TruYou is a verification program, scammers might try to impersonate it or exploit users who are not familiar with its process to gain personal information.
• ✓ **Robbery at Unsafe Meetup:** Meetups for high-value items like iPhones can be risky. Always choose well-lit, public places, or meet at a police station. Avoid isolated locations.

Ensuring a Secure Transaction with Safe Trade Services

For high-value transactions like purchasing an iPhone 17 Pro Max, we highly recommend utilizing Safe Trade Services. Our **Premium Plan** offers robust identity verification for both buyer and seller, secure transaction handling, and dispute resolution, providing an extra layer of security for your peace of mind. This is especially crucial for items valued over $500.

If you are selling an iPhone 17 Pro Max and want to ensure the buyer is legitimate and has the funds, Safe Trade Services' **Premium Plan** can also protect you. It verifies the buyer's identity and payment, reducing the risk of dealing with fraudulent purchasers.

Final Verification Steps

• ✓ Never share verification codes or passwords.
• ✓ Always conduct transactions within the OfferUp app.
• ✓ Insist on secure payment methods like those offered by Safe Trade Services.
• ✓ Meet in a public, well-lit location if meeting in person.
• ✓ If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.