7 Warning Signs of Scams When Buying a Bespoke Tailoring Service on OfferUp

Identifying Scams for Bespoke Tailoring Services on OfferUp

When seeking a bespoke tailoring service on OfferUp, it's crucial to be aware of potential scams. These services often involve custom measurements, fabric selection, and fittings, making them susceptible to unique fraudulent schemes. This guide highlights seven critical warning signs to watch out for.

1. The 'Text Me' Phone Number Phish

Scammers often pressure users to communicate outside the OfferUp app, typically by requesting a phone number to 'text you directly.' This is a tactic to move the conversation to a less secure platform, potentially to phish for personal information or to avoid OfferUp's buyer protection measures. Always keep communication within the app's messaging system.

2. Fake Payment App Screenshots

A common scam involves a seller sending a fabricated screenshot of a payment confirmation, pretending the service has been paid for. They'll rush you to begin work or deliver the tailored item, but no actual payment will be received. Always verify funds directly in your account or through official transaction confirmations, not just a screenshot.

3. Shipping Labels Outside the App

For bespoke tailoring services, shipping might involve sending fabric samples or receiving finished garments. If a seller insists on handling shipping arrangements or providing labels outside of OfferUp, it's a major red flag. This bypasses OfferUp's protections, making it difficult to resolve disputes if an item is lost, damaged, or not as described.

4. Non-Existent Item Deposit

Scammers may advertise high-quality tailoring services and request a deposit or partial payment upfront to 'secure' the service or materials. Once the deposit is paid, the seller disappears, and the service is never rendered. For custom services, it's best to pay in installments directly through the platform, with the final payment upon satisfactory completion.

5. Overpayment via Cashier's Check

A scammer might offer to pay more than the agreed-upon price for the tailoring service using a cashier's check. They will then ask you to wire back the difference. The cashier's check will eventually bounce, leaving you responsible for the full amount and out of the money you sent back.

6. Robbery at Unsafe Meetup Locations

While less common for a service, initial consultations or measurements might require a meeting. If a seller insists on meeting in a secluded or unsafe location, it could be a ploy for robbery. Always choose well-lit, public places for any in-person interactions.

7. The 'Urgency Tactic' for Deposits or Services

Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to make a quick decision or payment for a deposit or the full service. They might claim limited availability of materials or a special discount that ends soon. This pressure prevents you from thoroughly vetting the seller or the service.

Always prioritize secure communication and payment methods within the OfferUp platform. If a deal seems too good to be true, or if a seller employs high-pressure tactics, it's best to walk away and find a more reputable provider.