Paid twice in Paypal - what's the scam?

[Ranger 6]

I've sold a big ticket item (£500+) and have been paid twice, a week apart. Once before the item was despatched and once again today - what's the scam here?

That's the cynic in me, as it could be a genuine mistake - but who would pay over £500 twice and not know......

[i4got]

Quite possibly the ask you to send them back the £500. Then they claim back the original £500 from PP.

[Ranger 6]

That's what I was thinking - however even Paypal can't be that stupid?

[Saleen836]

Payment made with a stolen credit/debit card perhaps? buyer will ask you to repay into his bank as his Paypal has been locked due to a security breach......

[shep1001]

Wait and do nothing until challenged. Always issue the refund back via the transaction as it was made so the money follows the same route back, never to another account.

I hope you sent the item to the account/address detailed on the PayPal transaction so you have the seller protection in place.

[Shakermaker]

Ranger 6 said:

That's what I was thinking - however even Paypal can't be that stupid?

They could contact you outside of the process for raising a dispute, and ask you to send them back the £500, then using the other payment, raise a dispute using the proper means, hoping that PP side with them?

[Ranger 6]

Appreciated all, at the moment there isn’t any attempt at underhand activity and the courier has proof of delivery.

I think it’s a genuine mistake.

[i4got]

Ranger 6 said:

Appreciated all, at the moment there isn’t any attempt at underhand activity and the courier has proof of delivery.

I think it’s a genuine mistake.

It may well be but have a google of "Paypal overpayment scam".

[Ranger 6]

Oh yes, well aware of that one, but this is two separate transactions.

[triumph-ant]

Ranger 6 said:

it could be a genuine mistake - but who would pay over £500 twice and not know......

I sold some tyres for a similar sum and the chap paid cash on collection. And then paid again via Paypal a week later.

Never underestimate human ineptitude.

[NoddyonNitrous]

Worth flagging it up to PayPal before any shenanigans begin. Then they can take it up with the purchaser. Or are you sort of hoping to keep the extra money?

[Ranger 6]

Paypal have been absolutely useless - confirmation from the courier and purchaser that he goods arrived.

All seems well and the second payment has been refunded through PayPal.