Avoiding Scams

Millions of items are listed every month on Olio, happily and without incident. However, as with any online activity, it’s important to stay alert to the potential for scams. Scams on Olio are extremely rare (less than 0.01% of listings).

Here are some guidelines to help you avoid being scammed 💡

👀 Always trust your instincts. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is

📸 If you’re lending or borrowing, always take pictures before (and after borrowing) the exchange; agree on any deposit amount in the app, and follow it up with a written receipt

⭐ Check a user’s profile to see how recently they joined Olio, and if they have a star rating. You can also check how far away from you they are, and the location of their listings (if their listings are in multiple locations then it’s likely suspicious)

💬 Never take your communications off the Olio app, e.g. onto email, SMS, or any other messaging service

🖼️ Watch for hidden details in images. Sometimes numbers or emails are hidden in photos. If you see this, report it using ‘Seems like a scam.’

🚚 Never agree to pay for the delivery of an item. Not only is delivery against Olio’s rules, but it may also result in you paying for delivery and the item never being sent (a classic scammer trick)

💸 Never send money or pay for something being requested by a user (e.g. a takeaway or food shop). You can give specific items they are requesting if you have the item and no longer need it

🙏 Be aware of begging. In these instances, directing individuals to reputable charities and organisations better equipped to provide support can help safeguard against possible scams while upholding the values of integrity and community welfare

How to easily spot adverts in Olio 🔴

• Look for the red label: all ads in Olio now show the red word “Advertisement.” This helps you spot ads instantly and know they’re never messages from Olio.
• Don’t click suspicious ads: avoid any ad that asks for payment, logins, or personal details.
• We’ll never verify via an ad: Olio will never ask you to verify your account, log in, or make a payment through an advert.
• Helpful examples: watch out for ads imitating Olio (e.g. “Activate account” then asking for details or payment), images that contain hidden contact details, or attempts to move you off the app.

🚩 Reporting suspicious activity

• If you encounter a listing or user that triggers suspicions of possible scams or fraudulent behaviour, please notify us by tapping the flag icon on the listing and selecting “Seems like a scam,” or by flagging any messages received from the user
• For suspicious adverts: please take a screenshot and email us at hello@olioapp.com so we can investigate and act quickly