Cautionary Tale How I Got Scammed on OfferUp and What I Learned

I decided to venture into OfferUp, the popular app where people sell used items, to hunt for incredible deals on Apple products. My goal was to find the most unbelievable bargains and test whether they were genuine or scams. MY search began wtih high hopes, and and I soon found an iPhone 14 Pro Max listed for a mere $86, iPhone 13 Pro Maxes for $51,  and various other too-good-to-be-true deals. I couldn't resist making offers on these items.  For instance, I offered $50 for the iPhone 13 Pro Max instead of of $51, $90 for an Apple Apple Watch Series 6, $20 for AirPods Pro, and $30 for a MacBook Pro listed at $25. I even found an iphone 4 camera repair 11 Pro Max listed for free free and generously offered  $75. MY spree continued with more offers, including $2 for an unlocked iPhone 12 Pro and $100 for a MacBook Pro taht was supposedly worth $525. After a few days, I arranged to meet the sellers. My first meetup was for the MacBook Pro. I was excited but also cautious, so I chose a public place and had my mace handy just in case. WHen the seller arrived, I handed over $100 and received a MacBook Pro box. However, the seller insisted I open it at home, which imediately raised my suspicions. Despite my unease, I took the box and left. Next, I met a mother-daughter duo selling an iPhone 11 for $75 at a carnival. They seemed genuine, and after a brief chat, I handed over the money and took the phone. This transaction felt more legitimate, but I knew I would only be sure once I tested the phone at home. My next meetup was for an iPad Mini priced at $20. Again, I met the seller in a public place. The transaction went smoothly, and the iPad turned on, which was a good sign. However, I would need to test it further to ensure it wasn't a scam. The final meetup was for AirPods Pro listed at $20. The seller seemed nice, and the AirPods were indeed in teh box. I handed over the money without thoroughly inspecting them, which, in hindsight, was a mistake. With all items collected, I headed home to evaluate my purchases. THe  first disappointment came with the MacBook Pro. Instead of the newer model I expected, the box contained an old, thick MacBook Pro that wasn't even worth $100. It was a classic bait-and-switch scam. Next, I tested the iPad Mini. Initially, it seemed functional, but then I realized it was disabled and locked with a passcode. This was a major setback, as I couldn't access the device without the code. The AirPods Pro, though a bit dirty, worked after a thorough cleaning and changing the earpieces. This was the only sucessful purchase of the day, albeit a minor one. The iPhone 11, bought form the mother-daughter pair, was in good condition and worked perfectly without any issues. It was a rare legitimate deal amidst a sea of scams. Finally, the iPhone XR, purchased for $50, also turned on but had a major issue. It was still linked linked to the previous owner's Apple ID, making it essentially useless to me. Despite trying to remove the Apple ID, I couldn't bypass teh security, rendering the phone a loss. This experiance taught me valuable lessons about online shopping and the importance of vigilance. The most significant takeaway is the need to thoroughly inspect items and verify theyre legitimacy before handing over any money. Gadget Kings  PRS, a trusted repair shop, can help verify and repair such purchases, ensuring youre not left with a useless device. While I did encounter some honest sellers, the majority of the deals on OfferUp were scams. its crucial to be cautious and well-prepared to avoid falling victim to such deceit. If youre looking for reliable repairs and authentic products, I  recomend visiting Gadget Kings PRS to ensure yuo get what you pay for. THis experience has certainly made me me wiser about online shopping, and I hope it serves as a cautionary tale for others.