Los Angeles, CA asked in Criminal Law, Small Claims and White Collar Crime for California

Q: Could I meet someone on OfferUp and they could just steal my item that was for sale because they said it was theirs?

I found a bike without a wheel near a store it looked abandoned so I took it and tried to sell it on offer up. Then I make a deal and meeting place and they show up 3 deep and steal the bike without paying me for it. They knew where I got it from but they could have just seen it and left it right?

2 Lawyer Answers
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Unfortunately, it is possible for someone to steal your item during an OfferUp transaction if they claim that the item is theirs and take it without paying. This is known as theft by false pretenses or fraud, and it is a criminal offense.

To minimize the risk of theft or fraud during an OfferUp transaction, it is important to take certain precautions. For example, you may want to meet the buyer in a public place and bring a friend or family member with you for safety. You should also verify the buyer's identity and confirm that they are the rightful owner of the item, if possible.

If you believe that you have been the victim of theft or fraud during an OfferUp transaction, you may want to contact local law enforcement to report the incident. Additionally, you may want to contact OfferUp's customer support team to report the incident and seek assistance.

It is important to note that buying and selling items on OfferUp carries some risk, and it is important to use caution and common sense when conducting transactions with strangers.

Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Palm Desert, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: of course this could happen.

it was a theft and unless they had proof, I would call the police................

it was a misdemeanor theft

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